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.
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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.
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.
A touch screen issue on Chromebooks and Chrome OS tablets appears related to an experimental touch logic feature that’s enabled by default. The quick fix is to disable the feature while the long-term solution is still being worked on.
The latest Chrome OS Dev Channel brings Linux app stability, a fix for external monitors and a modified directory tree layout in the Files app; be sure to update if you’re running Chrome OS 69.
Google is enabling a key Project Crostini component for the next generation of low-cost Chromebooks that will run on new Intel chips. There’s a good chance that going forward, many (if not all) new Chromebooks will run Linux apps on day one.
Google has added long-press app shortcuts to Android apps on the Chrome OS Dev Channel. These behave just as they do on an Android phone: A tap and hold brings up contextual shortcuts.
Say hello to Wand: A detachable Chromebook device that will have a battery in both the screen and the keyboard base. We might see longer run times as a result, plus a less “top heavy” Chromebook with removable tablet display.
Google is working on allowing a new tab page to show one of your Google Photos as a background on Chromebooks and Chromeboxes for very personalized customization.
The upcoming Snapdragon 845 powered Chromebook known as “Cheza” will take advantage of a faster embedded storage method known as UFS, or Universal Flash Storage. That means large files will transfer extremely fast with simultaneous reads and writes.