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.
Browsing: Project Crostini
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.
The Chrome OS Dev Channel v. 69 update is out and there appears to be quite a few new features: The beginnings of the “Better Together” multidevice setup, a smoother system tray and updated Files app to name a few.
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.
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.
Since there isn’t yet an option to enable or disable Linux app support in the Google Admin Console, Google is holding back on Project Crostini for GSuite users for a few months.
Google is making good progress on bringing Linux apps to devices other than the Pixelbook: If you have a Samsung Chromebook Plus and don’t mind running on the Dev Channel, you too can take advantage of Project Crostini. Here’s how.
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.