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In the run-up to our non-Pixel Slate review, I had the chance to interview the senior product manager for Chrome OS at Google, Kan Liu. We talked about the biggest Chrome OS experience and the direction the operating system would take. At one point I mentioned the issue of virtual desktops (also called workspaces). Liu was aware of Chrome's weaknesses in this regard. Although I recognized that the exposing function allowed users to keep multiple windows available to them with their open tabs open, it did not directly replace virtual desktops, an operating system like Mac OS and Windows. Windows has long been supported.
Liu confirmed that virtual desktops are "on the road map" for Chrome OS, although no definite schedule or particular implementation has yet been established (because do not expect them in the next months). Virtual desktops can be extremely important for productivity workflows because they allow you to keep a number of applications (and in the case of a browser, the status of those ), window positions and parameters available for recall at any time. Simply slide your finger on your desktop and all your favorite tabs, for example, could all load and Chrome could launch various Android or Linux applications in the desired layout. Liu has not confirmed the details, however, so we do not really know how these workspaces would work on a Chrome device at the moment.
We also briefly discussed the future of Google Assistant regarding such things. And the conversation has become interesting: the Chrome OS team really wants the Assistant to perform more proactive tasks that, in a sense, are a generational step beyond just virtual desktops. For example, if you are working on a major project, the wizard can know all the relevant emails, calendar appointments, files and contacts you need, providing the tools and information needed to resume work for you. This can be related to a voice command, or contextually aware of something like the location or the time of day. It was, however, much more conceptual – research by the Chrome OS team is under study to improve artificial intelligence through predictive intelligence and situational awareness. It's nice enough to think though.
But those who lamented the lack of virtual desktops on Chrome (like our own Ryne Hager), know that their team is aware of your suffering. We do not know how or when virtual desktops will arrive, but at least we know that this is on the radar of the team.
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