Category: Chrome OS

Google has just released an updated build of Chrome OS for all devices running on the platform.  The update build is version 51.0.2704.79 (Platform version: 8172.47.0) for those keeping score at home.  On some devices the platform version will end in .1 or .2 so keep that in mind but the main thing you want to look for is the 51.0.2704 build.  As usual, there are a significant number of updates and security improvements made to the OS but there is also a significant improvement when it comes to the handling of external monitors connected to your Chrome-based devices.

After weeks of rumors and speculation, Google announced this morning at I/O that the Google Play Store, and subsequently millions of Android apps, are coming to Chrome OS.  The announcement means that later this year, all Chrome OS users will be able to download, install and use their favorite Android apps on their Chromebooks without compromising performance or security.  This, folks, is a big deal.  It means that the OS will have honest-to-goodness apps, not web apps, which means you can get the same user experience on your Chromebook as you do your tablet or phone.

The Chromium team has released an update to the stable channel of Chrome OS for most devices that brings several security improvements and other enhancements.  The big news in this release is the support of Material Design in the Chrome browser built into the OS.  The update you are looking for is build 50.0.2661.91 (Platform version: 7879.66.0) or 50.0.2661.94 (Platform version: 7978.69.0). depending on your device.  Also, this release is not available for the Pinky 11.6″ Chromebooks and Asus Chromebit.  No word on when or if those devices will receive the update.  If you have a compatible device, the update is already being pushed out by Google now and you can get it by going to Settings>About Chrome OS and check for an update.  The update will require a reboot of your Chrome OS device.

Google, much like what that did with the Nexus 9, have quietly dropped the entry level Chromebook Pixel from the Google Store.  The $999 premium Chromebook is gone although you can still pick up the beefy $1200 model in the store.  The timing of the removal from the store is not coincidental.  Just last week Google and HP announced the far more affordable, yet premium, Chromebook 13 G1 that has an all metal body and starts at $499.  That’s half the cost of the base Chromebook Pixel with an improved processor and essentially the same high resolution display.

A small but important update has come to the Chrome OS Stable Channel that users will want to get downloaded to their Chromebook, Chromebox or other Chrome devices.  The update you are looking for is build 49.0.2623.112 (Platform version: 7834.70.0/7834.71.0) and Google indicates that this build is for all devices running on the platform.  Not much is shared on what exactly was addressed from a security fixes perspective, with the release announcement only stating This build contains a number of bug fixes, an update to Adobe Flash Player (21.0.0.216-r1) and security fixes.

If you remember Monday of this week, there was a minor update to the Chrome browser for Windows, Mac and Linux that rolled out.  It was the second month in a row that a mid-stream update had happened on the browser and it was specifically aimed at addressing some security flaws.  Now, as expected, the updated version of Chrome OS has started to roll out to devices with that same update.  The version you are looking for is build 49.0.2623.111 (Platform version: 7834.66.0/7834.67.0) and it is for all Chrome devices.