After running Linux apps on my Pixelbook using Dev Channel for the past few months, I’m looking forward to doing the same on the Beta Channel. Based on the Chromium OS schedule, the Beta version of Chrome OS 69 is slated for August 2, which is this Thursday.
Author: Kevin Tofel
Kevin Tofel
After spending 15 years in IT at Fortune 100 companies, Kevin turned a hobby into a career and began covering mobile technology in 2003. He writes daily on the industry and has co-hosted the weekly MobileTechRoundup podcast since 2006. His writing has appeared in print (The New York Times, PC Magazine and PC World) and he has been featured on NBC News in Philadelphia.
The New York Linux User Group recently had a pair of special guests: Googlers David Reveman and Zach Reizner. Reveman and Reizner presented all of the nuts and bolts put together for Project Crostini, with the discussion captured on video.
Apparently, the Chromium team has seen reports of “wonky” Wi-Fi connections on Chromebooks and other Chrome OS devices. As a result, the team will be adding support for certain USB Wi-Fi dongles so users will have backup connectivity.
To make Chrome OS and PWAs display more similarly to native or mobile apps, the Chromium team has proposed a new API that adds notification badges to Android and web apps on Chrome OS devices.
It appears that GPU hardware acceleration is now in the works for Chromebooks running Linux apps in a container as code indicates support for the Virgil3D project. Heavy duty graphics apps and games for Linux will benefit.
For two key reasons, I think the Atlas 4K Chromebook will launch as the Pixelbook 2 (or Pixelbook 2018 if you prefer) tipped to launch before the end of this year.
HP is now selling the Chromebook X2 directly on its website for $519.99, which is $80 off MSRP, with orders currently set to ship on August 3. It’s an outstanding device if you want a detachable Chromebook.
An enhanced Easy Unlock feature is coming to Chromebooks as part of the multi-device “Better Together” feature. Not only will it support Bluetooth with four proximity levels, but also fingerprints.
Currently, all Linux packages for Project Crostini on Chrome OS are installed directly in a command line interface, which can be clunky for those new to Linux. Google is simplifying the process directly through the native Files app.
Google’s internal Grab and Go project that provides ready to go Chromebooks in the case of a device swap is available for enterprises. Grab and Go reduces employee downtime while also maintaining data security thanks to Chrome OS.
There’s a number of Chromebook deals for Amazon Prime Day but if you want a flagship device, the Pixelbook has a 25 percent discount, bringing the price down to $749 today.