Google Chrome OS

2023

Chrome OS 119

From November 16, 2023, the release operating system of Chrome OS 119 is available, based on, kernel Linux upstart system manager, ebuild/portage assembly tools, open components web browser and Chrome 119. The user environment of Chrome OS is limited to a web browser, and instead of standard programs, web applications are used, however, Chrome OS includes a full-fledged multi-window interface, desktop and taskbar. Source texts are distributed under free 2.0 license Apache. The Chrome OS 119 build is available for most current Chromebooks. For use on ordinary computers ones, the Chrome OS Flex edition is offered.

Major changes in Chrome OS 119:

• Added the ability to configure advanced keyboard combinations with the Alt key, simulating Home, End, Page Up and Page Down, as well as simulating right-clicking with the press "Alt + left button." Similar actions can now be configured in the configurator, as well as select the application of Alt + Click or Search + Click.
• Added system-wide settings for access to the microphone and camera, allowing you to completely disable the microphone and camera for all applications.

• The administrator is given the ability to define groups of applications, windows and utilities that are launched automatically when the device is turned on or when the user explicitly accesses them.

• Chromebook Plus users are given the ability to sync files from Google Drive (from the My Drive section) to a local drive to work offline.
• Addressed a vulnerability (CVE-2023-21216) in the PowerVR GPU driver caused by accessing an already freed memory area (Use-after-free). Vulnerabilities in Chrome (CVE-2023-5996, Use-after-free in WebAudio), the Imagination GPU driver (CVE-2023-35685), the Linux kernel (CVE-2023-4244, CVE-2023-5197, use-after-free in nf_tables) and Android Runtime have also been fixed.

Chrome OS 114

On June 8, 2023, it became known that the release of the Chrome OS 114 operating system based on the Linux kernel, upstart system manager, ebuild/portage assembly tools, open components and Chrome 114 web browser was available. The user environment of Chrome OS is limited to a web browser, and instead of standard programs, web applications are used, however, Chrome OS includes a full-fledged multi-window interface, desktop and taskbar. The source code is distributed under the free Apache 2.0 license. The Chrome OS 114 build is available for most current Chromebooks. The Chrome OS Flex edition is offered for use on ordinary computers.

As reported, the main changes in Chrome OS 114 affected the following:

• A separate page has been added to the configurator (ChromeOS Settings) for selecting sound devices and adjusting the volume and microphone.
• Added support for floating windows that can be overlaid or fixed over other windows. For example, in a floating window, you can open an application to keep notes while viewing a lecture. The floating mode is turned on through the menu with the layout of the current window, the Search + Z keyboard combination or the on-screen gesture down from the center of the top of the window.
• App Streaming has been added to broadcast application windows running on devices with the platform on the Chrome OS screen. Android
• The App and games tab has been added to the application for working with the built-in help system Explore (formerly Get Help) with an overview of the updated various Chromebook applications and games.
• It became possible to use joint albums posted on Google Photos as a source for installing desktop wallpapers or screen keepers.
• Added support for seamless connection to wireless networks protected using Passpoint technology (Hotspot 2.0), without the need to search for a network and authenticate each time you connect (the first login is remembered in reference to the location, after which all subsequent connections are made automatically).
• For centrally managed systems, support has been added to enable mandatory additions that work in incognito mode without the ability to disable them by the user.
• The assembly of the game Minecraft for Chrome OS is presented.
• 7 vulnerabilities have been fixed, including buffer overflows in rewrite_1d_image_coordinate and set_stream_out_varyings functions, accessing already freed memory (use-after-free) in vrend_draw_bind_abo_shader and sampler_state functions, racing state in amdgpu_ttm_tt_get_user_pages functions, bypassing wireless debugging restrictions in the adb utility and the ability to run digitally signed code through downloading a modified version of RMA shim^[1].

Chrome OS 113

On May 10, 2023, it became known that the release of the Chrome OS 113 operating system based on the Linux kernel, upstart system manager, ebuild/portage assembly tools, open components and Chrome 113 web browser was available. The user environment of Chrome OS is limited to a web browser, and instead of standard programs, web applications are used, however, Chrome OS includes a full-fledged multi-window interface, desktop and taskbar. The source code is distributed under the free Apache 2.0 license. The Chrome OS 113 build is available for most current Chromebooks. The Chrome OS Flex edition is offered for use on ordinary computers.

As reported, the main changes in Chrome OS 113 affected the following:

• The configurator provides the ability to preview the selected screen keeper, for example, you can see how animated screensavers will look when using Google Photos.
• In the file manager, instead of being notified of synchronization, more visual indicators are implemented that show the synchronization status of specific files and directories located in Google Drive.
• The administrator interface has added the ability to remotely restart managed client systems.
• When connecting or disconnecting a USB device on centrally managed systems, the firmware version information sent to the telemetry administrator is transmitted.
• The requirements for using webview (the ability to download and embed web pages) in Chrome Apps have been tightened: On the page shown in case of HTTPS connection errors, the ability to open the resource has been removed, despite the error. No support for using the NewWindow event to attach a webview item to another window.
• The sound indication of the change in the charging state has been expanded. Updated audio notifications have been added, played when the charger is connected, when the battery level is reduced to 15% and when disconnected from charging, when the charge level is below 15%.
• The Cursive application adds the ability to change the color and thickness of lines, which can be used, for example, to highlight items that need attention.
• Updated the passing alpha testing component Game Controls, which allows you to run games created for the platform. Control with Android, keyboards games designed for control with, is supported. The smartphone updated version adds the ability to change the key layout used, implements a pop-up menu on top of the screen, and adds support for Geometry Dash World, Geometry Dash Meltdown, Geometry Dash SubZero and Stumble Guys.

Three vulnerabilities have been fixed, two of which (CVE-2023-2461, CVE-2023-2458) are related to accessing the memory area after it is freed (use-after-free), and one (CVE-CVE-2023-2457) leads to damage to the process memory outside the allocated buffer^[2].

Chrome OS 109 with several previously selected audio devices

On January 14, 2023, it became known that the release operating system of Chrome OS 109 is available, based on the kernel Linux upstart system manager, ebuild/portage assembly tools, open components web browser and Chrome 109. The user environment of Chrome OS is limited to a web browser, and instead of standard programs, web applications are used, however, Chrome OS includes a full-fledged multi-window interface, desktop and taskbar. Source texts are distributed under free 2.0 license Apache. The Chrome OS 109 build is available for most current Chromebooks. For use on ordinary computers ones, the Chrome OS Flex edition is offered.

Major changes in Chrome OS 109:

• Several previously selected audio devices are stored, which makes it possible to avoid changing the audio output device when docking stations, monitors, hubs and other external audio devices are reconnected.
• When launching an Android application using the ARC (App Runtime for Chrome) layer, if the application or ARC is still loading, an intermediate window is displayed showing the progress of the operation (the spiner was previously shown on the icon in the panel).
• In the image gallery, the color selection dialog has been improved, which offers two tabs: with a predefined palette and an interface for choosing an arbitrary color.

• A setting is provided to disable the recycle bin in the file manager (when the recycle bin is turned on, files deleted from the My files section do not disappear without a trace, but settle in the recycle bin, from which they can be restored within 30 days)^[3].

2022

Chrome OS 105 with adaptive charging mode support

On September 8, 2022, it became known about the availability of the release of the Chrome OS 105 operating system, based on the kernel Linux upstart system manager, ebuild/portage assembly tools, open components and web-Chrome browser 105. The user environment of Chrome OS is limited, and instead web browser of standard programs, web applications are used, however, Chrome OS includes a full-fledged multi-window interface, desktop and taskbar. Source texts are distributed under free license Apache 2.0. The Chrome OS 105 build is available for most current models. Chromebook For use on ordinary computers ones, the Chrome OS Flex edition is offered. Enthusiasts also form unofficial builds for ordinary computers with, processors x86 x86_64 and. ARM

Major changes in Chrome OS 105:

• Support for an adaptive charging mode has been implemented, which allows you to extend the battery life by optimizing charge cycles, taking into account the specifics of the user's work with the device. The system tries to maintain the charge level in the optimal range, avoiding recharging, which negatively affects the battery life.
• It is possible to close the virtual desktop with one click, along with all associated windows and tabs. Closing is carried out using a new item in the context menu "Close desk and windows," shown when you right-click on a specific virtual desktop in the panel^[4].

Ready Chrome OS Flex for ubiquitous use

Google announced on July 15, 2022 that the Chrome OS Flex operating system is ready for widespread use. Chrome OS Flex is a separate variant of Chrome OS designed for use on regular computers, not just on devices originally shipped with Chrome OS such as Chromebooks, Chromebases and Chromebox.

The main applications of Chrome OS Flex include upgrading existing legacy systems to extend their lifecycle, reducing costs (for example, there is no need to pay for OS an additional one, ON such as), antiviruses increasing safety infrastructures and unifying software the ones used in companies and educational institutions. The system is supplied free of charge, and the source code is distributed under free 2.0. license Apache

The system is based on, kernel Linux upstart system manager, ebuild/portage assembly tools, open components and. Chrome web browser The user environment of Chrome OS is limited, and instead web browser of standard programs, web applications are used, however, Chrome OS includes a full-fledged multi-window interface, desktop and taskbar. On the basis of mechanisms virtualizations , layers are provided for executing programs from Android and Linux. It is noted that the optimizations implemented in Chrome OS Flex significantly reduce energy consumption compared to other operating systems (energy savings up to 19%).

By analogy with Chrome OS, the Flex edition uses a verified download process integration , with, cloudy storages automatic installation of updates, in the Google Assistant storing user data form encrypted of, mechanisms to prevent data leakage in case of loss/theft of the device. Chrome OS provides unified tools for centralized system management - access policies can be configured and updates can be managed using the Google Admin console.

In July 2022, the system was also tested certified for use on 295 different models PERSONAL COMPUTER and. laptops To deploy Chrome OS Flex, you can use a download over the network or download from the USB accumulator. At the same time, it is first proposed to test the updated system without replacing the previously installed OS, booting from a USB drive in Live mode. After evaluating the suitability of the updated solution, you can replace the existing OS by booting over the network or from a USB drive. Declared system requirements: 4GB RAM, -64 x86 or CPU Intel AMD and 16GB internal storage. All user-specific settings and applications are synchronized the first time you log in.

The product was created using the developments of Neverware, bought in 2020, which released the CloudReady distribution, which is an assembly of Chromium OS for outdated equipment and devices that were not originally equipped with Chrome OS. During the takeover, Google promised to integrate CloudReady into the core of Chrome OS. The result of the work done was the edition of Chrome OS Flex, the support of which will be carried out in the same way as support for Chrome OS. CloudReady distribution users will be able to upgrade their systems to Chrome OS Flex^[5].

Add Enterprise Security Module

Google has announced additional security modules in Chrome and Chrome OS for businesses. This became known on May 27, 2022. Read more here.

Chrome OS 101

On May 9, 2022, it became known about the release operating system Chrome of OS 101, based on the kernel Linux system manager, upstart ebuild/portage assembly tools, open components web browser and Chrome 101. The user environment of Chrome OS is limited to a web browser, and instead of standard programs, web applications are used, however, Chrome OS includes a full-fledged multi-window interface, desktop and taskbar. Chrome OS 101 build is available for most current Chromebooks. Source texts are distributed under free 2.0. license Apache In addition, testing continues for Chrome OS Flex, the Chrome OS edition of use on regular ones. computers Enthusiasts also form unofficial builds for ordinary computers with, processors x86 x86_64 and. ARM

Major changes in Chrome OS 101:

• The Network Based Recovery (NBR) mode has been implemented, which allows you to install the current version of Chrome OS and update the firmware in case of system damage and inability to boot without the need for a local connection to another device. The mode is available for most Chrome OS devices released after April 20.
• To download and install firmware updates for peripheral devices, the fwupd toolkit is also used in most Linux distributions. Instead of automatically installing updates, a user interface is provided that allows you to update when the user sees fit.
• Linux Application Launch Environment (Crostini) updated to Debian 11 (Bullseye). Debian 11 is currently offered only for current Crostini installations, and old users remain on Debian 10, but at launch they will be prompted to update the environment to the current version. The update can also be initiated through the configurator. To simplify the diagnosis of problems, the Downloads directory now stores a log with information about the update progress.
• The program interface for working with the camera is optimized. The left toolbar simplifies access to options and clearly shows which modes and features are enabled or not active. In the tab with settings, the readability of parameters is optimized and search is simplified.
• The Cursive handwritten note program offers a switch for blocking the canvas, allowing you to control the availability of panning and scaling the canvas, for example, to protect against accidental movements while working on the note. The canvas lock is turned on through the menu and turned off through the button at the top.^[6]

Chrome OS 99

On March 5, 2022, it became known about the availability of the release operating system of Chrome OS 99, based on the kernel, Linux system manager, upstart ebuild/portage assembly tools, open components web browser and Chrome 99. The user environment of Chrome OS is limited to a web browser, and instead of standard programs, web applications are used, however, Chrome OS includes a full-fledged multi-window interface, desktop and taskbar. The Chrome OS 99 build is available for most current models. Chromebook Source texts are distributed under free 2.0. license Apache In addition, testing continues for Chrome OS Flex, the Chrome OS edition of use on regular ones. computers Enthusiasts also form unofficial builds for regular computers with x86, processors x86 and. ARM

Major changes in Chrome OS 99:

• The Nearby Share feature, which allows you to quickly and securely transfer files to nearby devices running the Chrome browser, supports background scanning of devices. Background scanning makes it possible to identify devices that are ready for data transfer and notify the user of their appearance, which allows you to start transmitting without entering device search mode.
• Added the ability to return full-screen mode to opening applications after unlocking the device. Previously, when returning from sleep mode, full-screen applications returned to window mode, which interfered with normal work with virtualized desktops.
• File Manager (Files) now comes in the form of a SWA application (System Web App), not Chrome App. The functionality remained unchanged.
• Control from touch screens was optimized and multi-touch gesture processing was optimized.
• In the Overview mode, you can move windows with the mouse to the virtual desktop, which is created automatically.
• The camera application has added the ability to record video in the form of animated GIF images. The size of such videos cannot exceed 5 seconds.
• Vulnerabilities have been fixed: problems with authentication in the VPN client, accessing already freed memory in the window manager, Nearby Share, ChromeVox and the print interface.^[7]

2020: Chrome OS 81

On May 15, 2020, the company Google announced the release operating system of Chrome OS 81, based on the kernel, Linux upstart system manager, ebuild/portage assembly tools, open components browser and Chrome 81 web. The user environment of Chrome OS is limited to a web browser, and instead of standard programs, web applications are used, however, Chrome OS includes a full-fledged multi-window interface, desktop and taskbar. The Chrome OS 81 build is available for most May 2020 Chromebook models. Enthusiasts have formed unofficial assemblies for ordinary with, computers processorsx86 x86_64 and. ARM The source code is distributed under a free license 2.0. Apache

According to the company, the release was originally scheduled for April 7, 2020, but was postponed due to the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic and the transfer of developers to work at home. The next release of Chrome OS 82 will be skipped.

Major changes in Chrome OS 81:

• In tablet mode, control is provided using on-screen gestures. Gestures can now be used to switch between applications, view all fixed applications (short screen shift from below), go to the home screen (large shift from below), view all open windows (shift from below with holding), return to the previous screen/page in the browser (shift from left) and split the screen (hold touch and move the window sideways in overview mode).
• In classic and tablet modes, a more compact implementation of the panel with fixed applications is offered, which provides more space for the content with which the user works.
• For all applications installed in the Android environment from Google Play, including YouTube, Netflix and Prime, it is possible to use picture-in-picture mode, which allows you to continue working with sites or applications while watching videos.
• In tablet mode, horizontal navigation of open tabs is offered, in which, in addition to headings, large thumbnails of pages associated with tabs are displayed on the tabs. Tabs can be moved and rearranged with on-screen gestures. The display of thumbnails is turned on and off by a special button located next to the address bar and the user's avatar. The mode is still enabled by default only for Lenovo Chromebook Duet devices, but over time the number of Chromebooks translated to it will increase. Manually, the mode can be activated using the settings "chrome ://flags/# webui-tab-strip," "chrome ://flags/# new-tabstrip-animation" and "chrome ://flags/# scrollable-tabstrip."
• ARC++ (App Runtime for Chrome), a layer for running Android applications in Chrome OS, has expanded the tools for caching APK files of installed applications. In enterprise systems, caching has so far been used only for forcibly installed applications, and now applies to all applications allowed for installation. Caching allows you to significantly speed up the reinstallation of programs, which is useful in temporary sessions in which applications are installed every time you log in.
• Added experimental ability to test Android applications from the Linux environment for Chromebook (Crostini). Developers can now create Android applications in Android Studio, which runs in a Linux environment on a Chromebook, and then test them on the same device in an ARC++ (App Runtime for Chrome) environment. To install APK packages, the "adb" utility is used (adb connect 192.68.1.12: 5555; adb install app.apk) without putting Chrome OS in developer mode. If installed in this way, a warning message is displayed when the screen is locked that there are no verified applications in the system.
• Support for launching virtual machines with an Android emulator has been added to the environment for launching Linux applications Crostini.
• An updated collection of desktop wallpapers is presented.
• The tools for creating Internet kiosks have added the ability to limit the interface to certain sites or separate web applications PWA (Progressive Web Apps). Kiosk mode has declared outdated support for Android applications, instead of which it is recommended to use PWA applications.
• Added the ability to directly connect to various printers, information about which is provided by the print server^[8]​

2018: Linux Application Support

In May 2018, Google announced support for Linux applications in the Chrome OS operating system. First, this feature will be implemented in the Pixelbook laptop, and then appear in other Chromebooks.

Linux programs are launched in Chrome OS as part of the Crostini project using a virtual machine, inside which the Debian package base will run (other distributions should appear in the future). At the same time, no individual desktops or anything else will be needed. Applications - both console and graphical - will run on a par with their native ones in Chrome OS.

Installed Linux applications will be launched by clicking on the icon in Launcher, and windows can freely move around the screen. Linux applications have access to the main file system, which allows you to open user files used in Chrome OS. The appearance of graphical Linux applications is stylized as the concept of Material Design using the Adapta skin.

By adding support for Linux software in Chrome OS, Google expects to increase the attractiveness of its computer platform among developers: so that they can run the Android Studio development environment, Linux terminal or other well-known tools, use any programming language, access the usual code editor and test their applications.

Chrome OS is based on the Linux kernel, so technically the compatibility of products for these operating systems could have been implemented earlier. A number of tools have been created for this, such as crouton, but they are inconvenient to work and require disabling some security features in Chrome OS.

Google stressed that they have made a lot of efforts to optimize the operation of the virtual machine, so even Chromebooks with low performance must easily cope with the launch of Linux applications.^[9]

2017

Corporate Version Announcement

On August 23, 2017, Google announced a corporate version of the Chrome operating system. According to the developers, it should help the platform find widespread use among large companies.

An annual subscription to Chrome OS Enterprise will cost customers $50 per device. The new version of the OS, compared to the usual one, provides a closer connection with corporate systems, including simplified settings for printer management, integration of  cMicrosoft Active Directory (which will allow company employees to use their accounts to authenticate on Google devices and cloud services, which provides centralized policy management for IT administrators) and options for automatic deployment of the Chromebook fleet.

Other benefits of the Chrome OS Enterprise subscription include round-the-clock support, customizable operating system updates, and control of Chrome devices through deployed enterprise mobility management systems. By August 23, 2017, Chrome OS Enterprise works only AirWatch with from, VMware but in the future there will be support for other similar services.

VMware Workspace ONE support provides customers with the ability to manage Chromebooks through a single system. This, in turn, allows IT administrators to implement management policies using customizable groups based on the geographic location of users, department, position in the company, etc.

In addition, Chrome OS Enterprise users gain access to the enterprise app store, enhanced information security technologies, device theft protection systems, network management, proxies, and more.^[10]

Chrome OS upgrade led to failure to register Chromebooks on the system

On February 28, 2017, it became known about the consequences of upgrading Chrome OS to version 56 - thousands of Chromebooks did not log in due to a conflict between the TLS 1.3 protocol, used by default in the latest version of Google Chrome, and Symantec security software.

Many Chromebooks stopped working after updating Chrome OS to version 56. At the same time, many PCs where the Google Chrome browser is installed lost access to the Internet after updating it to 56 versions. The problem is that with the latest update, Google is in conflict with the security solution of BlueCoat (Symantec acquired it in August 2016^[11]

The BlueCoat network protection tool is designed to provide secure access to Internet resources, protection against various network threats, in particular, spyware, phishing sites, P2P traffic and unwanted content. BlueCoat allows you to restrict some categories of users - for example, children - access to a number of resources, which makes this software in demand in schools.

BlueCoat is a web proxy that controls the man-in-the-middle (MitM) communication channel. The program uses ProxySG technology to verify content encryption using SSL and Transport Layer Protocols (TLS). At the same time, BlueCoat does not support the latest version of the TLS 1.3 protocol.

TLS 1.3 differs from TLS 1.2 in blocking additional types of attacks and increased connection speed. The speed of the request is increased due to the fact that its route is reduced by one cycle. As a result, the web page loads 20% faster than previous versions of the protocol.

TLS 1.3 is already supported by Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome and Opera browsers. Microsoft and Apple are implementing protocol functionality in Internet Explorer 11, Edge and Safari. Recent updates to Google products have expanded support for TLS 1.3, in particular, made it the default protocol, resulting in a conflict with a security solution from Symantec.

Google and Mozilla previously reported that they foresee problems with the widespread implementation of TLS 1.3, since the results of inspections of various vendors for TLS support are still disappointing. Many antivirus and network protection products cancel or decrypt the TLS session launched by the client, analyze the HTTP text contained inside, and then reconnect to the specified site. In this case, safety certificates are assessed incorrectly, which can lead to failures in the operation of protective systems.

Some network security solutions, including BlueCoat, simply fail when they encounter TLS 1.3. For example, when Google Chrome tries to establish a connection using this protocol, BlueCoat makes the connection freeze.

The problem can be solved by switching Google Chrome 56 from TLS 1.3 to TLS 1.2. To do this, use the combination chrome ://flags/# ssl-version-max, which will open the protocol selection window, where you should move the mark from "Default" to "TLS 1.2." This can be done manually and will result in the end of the user's session. As of March 2, 2017, there is no patch that can simultaneously return thousands of Chromebooks and PCs to normal.

Google has taken action to address the issue. The company made Google Chrome receive instructions to switch from TLS 1.3 to TLS 1.2 as soon as it goes online. To do this, the web proxy must be configured so that it does not intercept TLS traffic until all devices are updated. For this, a Chromebook just needs to go online, but another PC needs to go to a Google site like Gmail, which requires registration, and the user may not have it. The company says that all Chrome OS 56 or Chrome 56 that will be installed already use TLS 1.2 by default, so they should work fine with any security solutions. The TLS 1.3 protocol will be re-installed by default not even in the 57th version of Google Chrome, but in the 58th.

Google blames the massive failure of Chromebooks exclusively on BlueCoat, claiming that a few months ago developers were informed about the use of TLS 1.3, but did not test their product as prescribed by the instructions. Symantec said it had "been notified of possible problems with TLS 1.3 on some devices" and was investigating.

2010: Chrome OS

December 7, 2010 - the day of the official release of Chrome OS from Google. In mid-November, at the Web 2.0 summit, Google CEO Eric Schmidt said Chrome would be a hit "in the next few months." A week later, the head of Chrome's division , Sundar Pichai, quoted The NY Times as saying: "By the end of the year, Google will be releasing a lightweight netbook with Chrome OS," he said.

In terms of the manic obsession of the manual, the launch of Chrome OS is comparable only to the passionate love of Oracle head Larry Ellison' a decade ago for the concept of a thin client: there is a minimum of equipment tied to the server on the table. The server provides the data processing process itself and a significant part of the storage system, a thin client exists only in interaction with the server.

Chrome OS can be imagined as an implementation of an even more "emaciated" thin client: a weak system to cadaveric exhaustion, tied to the Internet, without desktop applications, without a backup program, without configuring the interface, without any system settings, without utilities. Just the Internet, browser and Internet, browser again.

Google demonstrated the basic functions of Chrome OS a year ago

More than a year ago, Google showed a video about the capabilities of Chrome OS: a netbook launches a browser, and everything is simple, fast, without layers, without malware. Chrome does not store personal data and settings on your computer - they are contained in the "cloud." You can change netbooks, everything remains in the "cloud." If the computer breaks down, another is taken and work resumes. This is the concept: if someone steals a netbook, nothing terrible happens. If the work is interrupted at some point, it can be continued from the same place using any other device with Chrome OS.

Google has repeatedly stated that it has carefully considered the interface of the new operating system. At the same time, Google published the source code of the system, which it called the "Chromium OS Project." Since then, there has been little word from the Chrome OS team. This is noteworthy because in the meantime, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Acer, Asus, Toshiba and other hardware manufacturers have actively created machines using this OS.

The world has changed, and this has led to a significant amount of speculation about how Chrome can (or cannot?) Adapt to the lightning-fast rise of the iPad and Android. According to many calculations, netbook sales are deplorable compared to the iPad, which is eager to where PCs based on Microsoft Windows are afraid to set foot.

How does Chrome OS differ from Android? The systems were developed by different teams that began work from diametrically opposite starting positions. As Eric Schmidt said during a presentation on Web 2.0, Android is for touch devices and Chrome is for keyboard devices. The question is which operating system is designed to be used on phones with keyboards or tablets with touchscreens - that distinction is likely to fade in the next year or two.

I wonder if Schmidt thought he would have to face a situation where his two open source products would fight each other for market share? Some signs of the popularity of the Chrome browser appeared not so long ago. The MarketShare network reported a significant increase in Chrome browser usage, from 8.47% in October to 9.27% in November. The growth was mainly due to a decrease in the share of Internet Explorer. Is it possible that part of this surge came from Chrome OS testers? Is it likely that the popularity of the Chrome browser could spread to the Chrome OS?

Quite clearly - Google is taking aim at corporate business. Which is confirmed by an article by the vice president of development for Chrome '"Linus Upson' (Linus Upson) in The NY Times. In it, he claims that 60% of corporate users can immediately replace machines with OS Windows with machines with the Chrome operating system. Of course, this is not plausible. But just as Larry Ellison with his thin client was focused primarily on corporate clients, Microsoft so Google with a "skinny client" - takes aim at Microsoft.

In May 2011, Google officially introduced the first two commercial laptops on the Chrome OS platform. Information about devices that have received the uncomplicated name "chromebooks" (chromebooks) was published on the Google website. Samsung's Chromebook, the Series 5 Chromebook, features a 12.1-inch display with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels, a 2-core Intel Atom processor, two USB 2.0 connectors, a card reader, a Mini-VGA port, an HD camera, a microphone, a "full-format" keyboard and a touchpad larger than usual (literally from the Google website). The button is the entire touch surface, as in the MacBook.

The weight of the device is 1.48 kg. The declared battery life is up to 8.5 hours. Sales in the United States are scheduled to begin on June 15, 2011. The computer will be available in two versions: the cost of the modification with support for Wi-Fi only will be $429, with support for both Wi-Fi and 3G - $499. This is significantly higher than the $300 value, which has long accompanied the news about the Google Chrome OS project.

The cost of the Acer Chromebook (codename ZGB) is closer to the expected value and is $349. But the computer has a smaller screen - 11.6 inches versus 12.1 inches for Samsung. The device is also based on a 2-core Atom processor, equipped with two USB 2.0 ports, a card reader, a camera, a microphone, a "full-format" keyboard and a touchpad "larger than usual," which simultaneously plays the role of a button. Instead of Mini-VGA, there is HDMI. In addition, support for HD Audio is mentioned.

2012: Chrome OS 19.0.1048.17

Google released in April 2012 a new version for developers of its "cloud" operating system Chrome OS, releasing a release number 19.0.1048.17. in which experts noted the first major design change of this OS since its launch at the end of 2010.

According to TechCrunch, if earlier Chrome OS was distinguished by its minimalist design and appearance resembled the launched Chrome browser, then in the new version it began to resemble the traditional operating system with a full-fledged desktop and window manager instead of just one browser with tabs.

The window manager, which acts as a user interface in Chrome OS, first appeared in this new version called Aura. The new interface is characterized by "rich visuals and animation" and requires hardware acceleration.

Analysts note that earlier Chrome OS simply gave the user access to one browser window at the same time (several browser windows could be opened in separate virtual screens), and to launch applications, you had to open a new tab every time.

Now Chrome OS has a special platform for launching applications that resembles a taskbar in Windows. Applications, however, are still launched in the browser tab, and not as separate windows.

2013: Chrome OS NFC support

Google announced in June 2013 the launch of a project to equip Chrome OS with NFC support. According to this announcement, a Chromebook with NFC technology is expected in the near future. At the same time, however, Google did not report significant advantages that owners of new Chromebooks will receive. Using Chromebooks as a means of fast payment or one-touch content transfer is not as convenient as using smaller smartphones and tablets for this purpose.

It is suggested that in this way Google will be able to implement its plans for password-free authentication of Chromebook users, as well as promote the recently upgraded Google Wallet service .

2014: Project Athena

On July 18, 2014, it became known about preparations for the release of an updated version of Google Chrome OS, codenamed Project Athena.

A company employee on a blog announced the development of a new interface for Google Chrome OS at Google. Presumably, the developers are focusing the operating system on devices with touch screens.

According to a Google employee, Athena is a completely new project of the Chromium OS team exploring new ways to interact with the user. The new Chrome OS interface consists of a set of windows with a simple control function. The Project Athena interface resembles a deck of cards and is visually implemented as tab display in Chrome and Safari mobile browsers.

The current version of the Google Chrome OS interface, codenamed Aura, was developed in 2012 and has not changed until the present day.

Probably, future Chromebooks (laptops running Google Chrome OS) will be equipped with touch screens, and Google has set about creating an interface adapted specifically for them.

As of July 21, 2014, Chromebooks are produced by the following companies:

• Acer,
• Samsung,
• Asustek,
• Toshiba
• HP.

The lineup includes a Google-developed laptop - the Chromebook Pixel. The computer is equipped with a metal case and a 13-inch display, with support for multi-touch input and a resolution of 2560x1700 pixels.

2015

Chrome OS Release 43 Released

On June 4, 2015, the company Google unveiled the release operating system of Chrome OS 43. The system is created on the kernel, Linux open components and web-browser Chrome^[12]

The user environment of Chrome OS is limited to the web browser, instead of the usual program, web applications operate. However, Chrome OS implements a multi-window interface, desktop and taskbar.

Chrome OS 43 build is available for all current Chromebooks. Assemblies for conventional x86, x86_64, and ARM computers can be downloaded here. The source code is distributed under a free Apache license .

Release Changes

• The design of the virtual keyboard is brought into line with the concept of Material design;
• Added support for auto-filling credit card settings in Google Wallet;
• " OK Google!" (they now operate regardless of which app is active), on the new Chromebook Pixel;
• Automatic input adjustment is supported when using a regular keyboard;

Simultaneously with the 43rd, the beta version of Chrome OS 44 is presented, which supports the connection of wireless headsets (Bluetooth profiles HFP and HSP) and the ability to write to external devices using the MTP protocol (previously MTP, which is used to access the storage of most smartphones, was available only in read mode).

For Chrome OS, there is a useful add-on for connecting to SMB/CIFS partitions directly from the file manager, similar to how you access Google Drive.

Chrome OS Release Version 46

On October 15, 2015, Google released Chrome OS 46. The Linux kernel, open components and the Chrome 46 web browser are based on ^[13].

The user environment of Chrome OS is limited to a web browser, and instead of standard programs, web applications are used, however, Chrome OS includes a full-fledged multi-window interface, desktop and taskbar. The Chrome OS 46 build is available for all current Chromebooks. Assemblies for conventional x86, x86_64, and ARM computers can be downloaded here. The source code is distributed under a free Apache license.

Major changes to Chrome OS 46

• To reduce the amount of data transmission when operating through traffic-charged connections, the Data Saver mode is implemented. When the traffic saving mode is turned on, data is broadcast through an external proxy, which performs additional image compression and content packaging. Data Saver mode does not work with HTTPS and does not allow the use of location information;
• Improved implementation of the scan indicator for available wireless networks;

Screenshot of the OS window (2015)

• The image gallery interface has been brought into line with the Material design concept, a new application icon has been added, the slideshow implementation has been redesigned, and editing icons have been replaced;

Screenshot of the OS window (2015)

• The file manager implements the "Update" button to update the data status on some types of external storage;

Screenshot of the OS window (2015)

• Chrome OS Launcher adds the ability to search for content stored in Google Drive;
• Improved charging setup via USB-C;
• Reduced CPU load when the Hangouts application is running.

2016

Chrome OS Release Version 48

Google introduced in January 2016 the release of the Chrome OS 48 operating system, based on the Linux kernel, open components and the Chrome 48 web browser. The user environment of Chrome OS is limited to a web browser, and instead of standard programs, web applications are used, however, Chrome OS includes a full-fledged multi-window interface, desktop and taskbar. The Chrome OS 48 build is available for all current Chromebooks. Enthusiasts have formed unofficial builds for ordinary computers with x86, x86_64 and ARM processors. The source code is distributed under a free Apache license.

Major changes in Chrome OS 48:

• Improved download completion notifications;
• The default applications include the Google Photos photo manager;
• The video player interface is brought into line with the concept of Material Design;
• Changed the hotkey to go to the next keyboard layout in the list. Instead of Shift + Alt, the Ctrl + Shift + Space combination is now offered, which is close to the Ctrl + Space combination used to switch to the previous layout;
• The IPv6 address is provided in the status area (previously you had to look in chrome ://system or run from the ifconfig terminal).
• The crash recovery screen has been updated;
• Added desktop wallpaper depicting cultural heritage sites.

Chrome OS 51 release

On June 7, 2016, Google published the release of Chrome OS 51, based on the Linux kernel, open components and Chrome 51 web browser^[14].

The user environment of Chrome OS is limited to the browser, instead of standard programs, web applications are used, but Chrome OS implements a full-fledged multi-window interface, desktop and taskbar.

Chrome OS 51 build is available for all current Chromebooks. Enthusiasts have formed unofficial builds for conventional computers with x86, x86_64 and ARM processors. The source code is distributed under a free Apache license. In addition, the Chromium OS for SBC project has released an assembly for Raspberry Pi 2 and Raspberry Pi 3.

Major changes in Chrome OS 51:

• Support for connecting more than three screens;
• Automatic calibration of external monitors using special ICC settings and profiles;
• The ability to install desktop wallpapers directly from the file manager;
• Saves the selected audio output device between sessions or when restarting;
• The video player has added the ability to show subtitles that are downloaded from a file with the vtt extension and the name that the video file for playback is.

Chrome OS 53

On September 11, 2016, Google published the release of the Chrome OS 53 operating system.

The system runs on the Linux kernel, upstart system manager, ebuild/portage assembly tools, open components, and Chrome 53 web browser. The user environment of Chrome OS is limited to the web browser, and instead of standard programs, web applications are used, however, Chrome OS includes a full-fledged multi-window interface, desktop and taskbar^[15].

Chrome OS 53 build is available for all current Chromebooks, excluding Chromebook Pixel (2015), Acer R11, ASUS Flip C100PA, HP CB1 and Acer C7. Enthusiasts have formed unofficial builds for conventional computers with x86, x86_64 and ARM processors. The source code is distributed under a free Apache license.

Major changes to Chrome OS 53

• The appearance of the overview mode has been translated into the Material design style. The application activity indicator is now made as a dot under the icon;
• The interface for viewing history (chrome ://history) is translated into Material design;
• Added Storage Manager, it helps to assess free disk space, download volume and offline Google Drive files (to enable chrome ://flags/# enable-storage-manager);
• Support for the SAML SSO (Security Assertion Markup Language Single Sign-On) authentication service has been added for Chrome Apps;
• An API has been added to enable activity tracking in applications running in Internet kiosk mode;
• To access the history, the notification indicator is now displayed in the status bar, even when there are no unread notifications;
• Simplified way to switch to experimental releases of Chrome OS. In the crosh terminal called by Ctrl + Alt + T, it is enough to type the command "live_in_a_coal_mine" and answer "y";
• A hotkey has been added to quickly go to sleep - Shift + Search + L (useful for Chromebox, Chromebase and Chromebit devices, in which you can't just shut the laptop lid);
• For people with hearing problems, an audio output mode has been added to all available loudspeakers at once (turning stereo into mono);
• The keyboard layout indicator has been expanded, which allows you to quickly switch between languages ​ ​ and launch a virtual keyboard to enter emoji, handwriting or turn on voice input. To turn on the indicator in the "Manage languages" language settings, select "Show input options in the shelf."

2009-2011

The Chrome OS project was announced in July 2009, and the first stable build was released in June 2011. Between these events, in December 2010, Google released the very first Chromebook (a laptop based on Chrome OS) in the world - a prototype called Cr-48.

Notes