Developer Mode – About Chromebooks

How to get Chrome OS updates on a Chromebook after its AUE, or auto-update expiration date

August 10, 2019August 10, 2019 Kevin C. Tofel 57 Comments AUE, Automatic Updates, Chrome OS, Chromebooks, Developer Mode, How to, Neverware

Got an old Chromebook that’s passed its AUE, or automatic update expiration date? Consider giving CloudReady a try: The Chromium OS-based platform may work on your old device and bring you security updates long after Google stops providing them.

News

Don’t expect to sideload Android apps on a Chromebook until Chrome OS 76 or later

May 20, 2019May 20, 2019 Kevin C. Tofel 12 Comments Android, Android apps, Android Studio, Chrome OS, Chrome OS 75, Chrome OS 76, Developer Mode, Developers, Sideloading

Originally planned for between Chrome OS 69 and 72, a recent Chromium developer comment suggests that the ability to sideload Android apps on a Chromebook isn’t even likely for Chrome OS 75.

News

Chrome OS 75 adds USB device support for Linux, including Android phone debugging

April 13, 2019April 13, 2019 Kevin C. Tofel 14 Comments Android, Android Studio, Canary Channel, Chrome OS, Chrome OS 75, Crostini, Developer Mode, Developers, Linux, Project Crostini

The newest version of Chrome OS 75 finally brings USB device support to Project Crostini. Using Linux on my Chromebook, I can even use ADB commands to a connected Android phone.

Q&A

What’s the difference between Developer Mode and the Dev Channel on a Chromebook?

April 3, 2018April 3, 2018 Kevin C. Tofel 2 Comments Chrome OS, Dev Channel, Developer Mode

New Chromebook owners eventually hear about both Developer Mode and the Dev Channel of Chrome OS, wondering if they’re the same thing. They’re not.