Chrome OS 74 arrives for enterprises, bringing several new features such as native PDF annotation, external camera support and top-level files & folders to Chromebooks.
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Earlier this month, Acer debuted the first Chromebook with a dedicated numeric keypad and now HP has followed up with its own version for a lower price. The HP Chromebook 15 starts at $449.
The new Acer Chromebook 714 and 715 can withstand 4-foot drops and 132-pounds of pressure, so they’re durable. A fingerprint sensor and dedicated number pad bring security and productivity in the workplace.
After consumers gained support for Linux apps in Chrome OS 69, enterprise users get the feature in Chrome OS 73, along with managed guess sessions for improved device sharing.
A small code change will lead to a largely desired function, particularly for enterprise users: VPN support for Linux apps in Crostini on a Chromebook. Yes, you can use an Android VPN app for Chrome OS, but that security won’t extend to Linux.
A pair of new Acer Chromebase devices with up to an 8th-gen Intel Core i7 are arriving this summer. These are ideal for group video, kiosks or business workstations in the enterprise although I know more than a few consumers that want a Chrome OS desktop.
Native support for SMB file shares was spotted in March but the Chromium team is making quick headway now towards adding the function to Chromebooks. Enterprises will also have a policy to enable or disable shared location discovery on the network.
A future version of Chrome OS will be able to use Android’s Always-on VPN feature, automatically helping to secure a Chromebook accessing public Wi-Fi hotspots; essentially a must for enterprise workers.
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.
Back in March, Viewsonic announced its first Chromebox, the NMP660, would launch in April. Well, April came and went, so…