ChromeOS is a Linux-based operating system designed by Google
The new version of ChromeOS 116 arrives loaded with many new features, Several of which are major improvements, such as search improvements, battery life improvements, support for Windows apps, and more.
For those unfamiliar with Chrome OS, you should know that the system is based on the Linux kernel, ebuild/portage build tools, open components, and the Chrome web browser.
Main new features of Chrome OS 116
In this new version of Chrome OS 116, one of its main novelties that stands out is that the search options in the file manager have been expanded, as it now supports simultaneous search for files on local drive and Google Drive cloud storage.
Another of the changes that stands out in the new version is that it added support for adaptive battery charging mode compatible with some Chromebooks, in which, in essence, the battery is first charged to 80%, after which it is non-linearly brought to 100% using the charging parameters offered by the machine learning model, which takes into account account user behavior.
In addition to this, the interface of the "device configuration" wizard has been updated and redesigned to simplify the work of new users who are used to working on other operating systems, in addition to increasing the number of settings available to adapt the around your preferences and the flexibility of navigation in the device configuration process has been increased.
It is also noted that the added ability to open and edit Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint files on the device using the Microsoft 365 app and Microsoft OneDrive storage built into the file manager. The capability is enabled via the chrome://flags#upload-office-to-cloud parameter.
On the other hand, in Chrome OS 116, we can find that added an interface to configure RGB keyboards. In addition to setting an overall backlight color, it is possible to assign different colors to different backlight areas of the keyboard, as well as the ability to manage settings for input devices, such as the mouse and keyboard, is provided in relation to devices. individual.
Last but not least, it is worth also mention that Google and Cameyo have launched jointly, for business customers the Virtual App Delivery service, which allows you to run any Windows app on ChromeOS. The solution stands out because it does not require running a full Windows environment in a virtual machine. Instead, a special cloud service offers a common environment in which individual Windows applications can run in isolation.
Of the other changes that stand out from this new version:
- Built-in support for recognition of text in images, conversion to plain text, and use in screen readers, which, for example, allows the visually impaired to hear the content of PDF documents that do not support text export.
- Extended auto-correct tools that correct typos and errors as you type.
- Added the ability to use autocorrect not only for the virtual keyboard, but also when typing from a regular keyboard.
- Added the ability to review permissions and data accessed by apps running in the Android environment to ChromeOS Configurator.
- Added Data Processor mode, which allows the administrator of centrally managed systems to control when, how, and why device data is transferred outside and processed on the Google side.
- Added options to customize touchpad scrolling and screen size.
If you want to know more about it about this new version of the system, you can check the details by going to to the following link.
Download Chrome OS 116
The new build now available for most Chromebooks current, as well as external developers have trained versions for common computers with x86, x86_64 and ARM processors.
Last but not least, if you are a Raspberry user, you should know that you can also install Chrome OS on your device, only that the version you can find is not the most current, and there is still the problem with video acceleration due to hardware.