A new stable version of Chrome OS is always fun. This is the v74, which includes, among other things, support for audio output for Linux (yay) applications and support for the USB camera for the Android Camera application. You can find the complete changelog below.

New features

  • Sending system performance profiling data with feedback reports
  • Linux applications can produce audio
  • Supports USB camera for Android Camera application
  • Deleting outdated supervised users
  • [Accessibility] ChromeVox Developer Log Options: The ChromeVox Options page now offers a number of development options that allow developers to enable logging of voice and other items.
  • Support for new files and folders under the local root "My files"
  • Users can quickly access their latest apps and Google searches by clicking on the search box.
  • Annotate documents from the Chrome PDF viewer

Security enhancements

  • SafeSetID LSM has been added to Chrome OS and the Linux kernel. It allows system services to securely manage the users under which their programs run without the need for powerful system privileges. This improves security in the event that a vulnerability in the system service could be exploited.

Obviously, the one that excites me the most is the audio output for Linux applications, but the Android camera that supports USB cameras will excite a little, I guess. Adding the most recently opened apps and searches when the search key is down is a good idea, but we'll have to see how it works. And I know that annotations of documents in the Chrome PDF Viewer were essential. It is therefore useful for Google to pass it on to stable users.

My Pixelbook had not yet received the update at the time of writing, but I am eager to explore the new features offered by Chrome OS 74. If something weird or broken occurs when it hits Chromebook, be sure to let Google know so developers can fix it.