The release of the Chrome OS 89 operating system based on the Linux kernel, the upstart system manager, the ebuild / portage assembly toolkit, open components and the Chrome 89 web browser took place. The Chrome OS user environment is limited to a web browser, and web applications are used instead of standard programs, however, Chrome OS includes a full multi-window interface, desktop and taskbar. The Chrome OS 89 build is available for most current Chromebook models. Enthusiasts have formed unofficial builds for regular computers with x86, x86_64 and ARM processors. The source texts are distributed under the Apache 2.0 free license.
The release is dedicated to the tenth anniversary of the project, so it contains many significant innovations. Key changes in Chrome OS 89:
- Added Phone Hub, a smartphone control center that allows you to perform common actions with your Android smartphone from your Chromebook, such as viewing incoming messages and notifications, monitoring battery level, accessing hotspot settings, determining the location of your smartphone. In addition, Phone Hub allows you to view the content of recently opened tabs on your smartphone in the browser on your Chromebook. Activation of devices for Phone Hub is carried out in the settings "Settings > Connected devices", after which a special icon with additional functions appears in the quick settings block on the panel.
- Expanded the range of devices that can be used with the Wi-Fi Sync function for synchronizing wireless network settings between multiple devices. For example, the Wi-Fi password is stored in the user's profile and is automatically applied when the user logs in from other devices, without the need to manually type the Wi-Fi password again on a new device. Wi-Fi settings can now be shared between different Chrome OS and Android devices linked to the same Google account.
- The clipboard has a MultiPaste function that allows you to save a history with the last five copy operations. It is possible to paste several saved elements at once or select any of them through the interface displayed by pressing the “Launcher + V” combination. For example, now you can copy several fragments to the clipboard without switching between windows, and then paste them all at once into the desired form.
- A new interface has been proposed for creating screenshots and screencasts, which can be called up through the menu with quick settings. The interface is also called when pressing the combination "Ctrl + Windows". Immediately after taking a screenshot, a menu appears at the bottom that allows you to correct the created picture or start recording a video with actions on the screen.
- A new “Tote” icon has appeared in the panel next to the settings shortcut menu, allowing you to access recently saved screenshots, pinned files or downloads with one click.
- The camera application has a built-in function for scanning QR codes. To scan a QR code, click on the QR code icon on the right side of the window.
- Media playback control has been simplified - buttons for controlling playback from the browser or Android applications are now displayed on the panel in the settings shortcut menu. The user can quickly stop / resume playback or switch to the next song, as well as pin the media player to the panel.
- Added new options for sharing files, images and links. Apps and websites now show a Share button that allows you to directly share a file, image, or link to another app. For example, using the Share button, you can quickly transfer a picture from the Files application to a text editor. Nearby Share is expected in a future release, allowing you to quickly and securely transfer files between different users' nearby Chrome OS and Android devices.
- Enhanced features related to virtual desktops. It is allowed to create up to 8 virtual desktops and rearrange them in any order using the drag&drop mechanism. Added buttons to the right-click menu to pin a window to a specific virtual desktop or to show the window on all desktops. Implemented the ability to use the Alt + Tab combination to view windows linked to the current virtual desktop or all windows without splitting them into desktops.
- The Quick Answers function has been added to the context menu displayed when you right-click on a selected word or phrase, allowing you to get additional information, for example, display data from a dictionary, perform a translation or convert values.
- Added additional settings for the function of reading aloud text in the selected block (select-to-speak). For example, it became possible to change the tempo on the fly, pause reading and switch to reading other passages.
- The “Family Link” parental control mode setting is integrated into the new Chromebook’s initial setup wizard and allows parents to immediately link their child’s school account and organize control over his work on the device.
- Added support to the printing subsystem for scanning features provided by multifunction devices that combine a printer and a scanner. Scanning is done through the new Scan app.
- Updated built-in application icons.
Source: opennet.ru