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.
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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.
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.
If you were waiting for Project Crostini to move past the Dev Channel, you’re going to be waiting a little longer. Google has decided to hold the feature, which lets you run full Linux apps in a container, to Chrome 69 for both the Beta and Stable Channels.
Last month, I reported on an experimental picture-in-picture (PiP) feature that I used on my Chromebook. Google will enable the PiP API by default with Chrome version 69, and not just for Chromebooks. It will also be available in the Chrome browser for Windows, Mac and Linux. And eventually, Chrome for Android support will follow.
Great news if you have an Asus Chromebook Flip 101 and want to run full Linux apps: A code commit shows that the 10.1-inch convertible Chromebook should be getting that feature via Project Crostini soon.
The latest (and only) detachable Chromebook, the HP Chromebook X2, is likely to be among the next devices to get support for Project Crostini, which will enable full Linux app support.
Google recently added both Android and Linux files to the native Chrome OS Files app but don’t get used to it if you have this feature. Google Drive is getting moved down the tree while Android and Linux files gain more prominence.
Aside from Dev Channel version 68.0.3437.0 fixing the broken Terminal app for Project Crostini the Linux files automatically mount to the Chrome OS Files app in this version as well. Make sure you have the right flag enabled to see this function.