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The long-awaited Linux support for Chromebooks has hit the Stable channel. According to the Chrome Releases blog, the consumer channel is being updated to v69, which includes support for Linux applications – at least on supported devices. The update also includes other features, such as an updated user interface for browsing the file system, extended dictation support for text input, tinted red light and some changes centered on the tablet.
Chrome OS v69 also marks the final transition from Chrome OS to the so-called "Material Design 2.0" interface. Starting from version 67, Chrome OS inherited a "touchable" presentation. The v68 version was expanded with the Material interface elements, and the v69 version ended with rounded rectangular tabs, among other minor changes, such as fill changes.
Chrome browser on Chrome OS v68 (left) and v69 (right).
The complete changelog for v69 as it happens Stable channel is just below:
New features
- Refresh the user interface of the application with a new support to access reading files
- Native support for the Team Drives in Files app
- Save the application files directly in the Files application via the share sheet
- Run Linux applications on supported devices
- Dictated in any text field, a new feature in the accessibility settings
- Power Status Alerts for Kiosk Applications
- Global speech synthesis parameters
- night light
- Quick access to Emojis
- OOBE visual enhancements
- Drag to close applications in Overview
- Unifying behavior in tablet mode
- Video capture service
Security patches
- Vulnerabilities of the L1TF and the shadow
The main point to take into account for the v69 update is, of course, the support of the Linux application, as well as the last edits of Material 2.0, but small modifications like Night Light and the extended dictation should also improve the friendliness. Tablet-specific enhancements, such as sliding to close apps in the overview and "reuniting behaviors," should also be useful for the future of the Chrome OS tablet.
The blog post detailing the update indicates that the deployment may take several days, which seems to be the case. I just got the v69 update on my Pixelbook in the last 20 minutes. (By the way, the v69 includes a touchpad firmware update, so do not panic if it restarts more than once when updating and do not mess up while it is flashing the firmware). The update of v69 version of Stable compiled by Chrome Unboxed users is quite short at the time of writing.
File browser in v68 (on the left) and v69 (on the right).
Based on this list, almost none of the devices that are supposed to support Linux applications receive the update. Since Google lists compatibility through the name of the forum, it can be difficult to browse the two lists to compare.
The version 68 update has already been delayed for Pixelbook, and Linux application support has already been postponed from a release. I would not be surprised if there were additional delays associated with the v69 update for some hardware platforms. We will know over the next few days that the update will take place. And in the meantime, you can read what it means to install Linux applications on Chrome OS and discover some of our favorites.
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