The on-again, off-again sale on Google’s Pixelbook is on-again. Through September 3, the base Pixelbook is available direct from Google Store for $749. There’s also a 10% student discount if you qualify.
Browsing: Linux Apps
Debian Linux package installations from within the Chrome OS Files app is a smart move by Google because it doesn’t assume any familiarity with the Linux command line. It’s quick and easy: Here’s how to use it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Now that Project Crostini is quickly spreading to many Chromebooks: What Linux apps should you install? It depends on what you want to do, of course, so here are two resources that provide Linux “equivalents” of Windows apps.
Google is adding a dedicated folder for installed Linux software titles in the Chrome OS app launcher to start these apps in one central, easy to find, location.
For those thinking Google was overpromising only to underdeliver on its goal to get Linux apps on as many Chromebooks as possible, today is the day that might change your mind. 18 Apollo Lake Chromebooks from four brands get Project Crostini.