Chrome OS 69 just released today to support the stable channel Chromebooks. This brings a smarter new features and changes, including Google’s Material theme, Night Light, an improved file manager, and most importantly support Linux apps.
The new released OS 69 also brings some bully new features like instant search result info in the omnibox address bar for weather, sports, and other Search card items.
Linux Apps for Chromebooks?
You may be surprised. Linux apps for Chromebooks. Yes, at Google I/O earlier this year, Google announced that it was going to bring support for Linux applications to Chrome OS, starting first with the Pixelbook. While Linux support has been in use on the developer and beta channels for a while now, users who choose to stick with the stable channel may now get their chance to check this out.
Most Google Chrome users should already have this redesign on the iOS, Android, and desktop versions of Chrome. For Chrome OS users, version 69 also brings Linux support out of beta and into Google’s stable channel. In short, a developer can run Linux apps and tools within a terminal window, with the goal of helping app makers code Android software on a Chromebook, as noted by 9to5Google.
In addition to the redesign and Linux support, this version of Chrome OS has Night Light, which is Google’s version of f.lux and Apple Night Shift. Like those other software tools, Night Light increases color warmth and lets you manage how straining the display is on the eyes throughout the day, timed to a distinct schedule or sunrise and sunset. One last new feature worth mentioning is the addition of a microphone button in the Chrome OS status bar, so access to voice dictation is more easily accessible.
Linux support won't be available for all Chromebooks. But only 19 Chromebooks and Chromeboxes are currently supported. 11 supported Chromebooks are only listed here, but those are for boards, not complete computers. Several Chromebooks and Chromeboxes share the same mainboards).
ASUS Chromebook Flip C101
Acer Chromebook 11
Acer Chromebooks Spin 11
Acer Chromebook 15
HP Chromebook x360
HP Chromebook x2
Google Pixelbook
Samsung Chromebook Plus
Samsung Chromebook Plus v2
Lenovo Thinkpad 11e
Lenovo Thinkpad Yoga 11e
Other Features in Chrome OS 69
Aside from Linux support, Chrome OS 69 has a few other new features worth talking about.For beginners, it's making a Material Design makeover that really modernizes the overall look and feel of the entire OS. It also gives it a more Android-like feel, which is something that Google has been working towards for a while now. The two are getting more check bit with each update.
Otherwise, you’ll notice that the File Manager has been slightly reworked in 69, with a new section called “My Files” that houses all Downloads, Play Files (Android files), and Linux Files. This is again a step in the right direction, as the file manager has often been cited as one of Chrome OS’ weakest links.
