Google’s got some new tweaks coming for ChromeOS, its operating system for laptops and desktops. Most of the changes are pretty minor, but they could still be handy.
ChromeOS gets monthly updates that roll out alongside Chrome browser updates. Though recently, Google changed things so the browser and OS can update separately – that way, small browser patches don’t require a full OS update.
Some handy search upgrades incoming
When you use the search bar in ChromeOS, it digs through your apps, files, images, settings, and more. It also pulls in web results.
The update will add search filters on the right side of the bar, according to XDA Developers. So if you just want to see results from your files, you can select the Files filter. Much easier than weeding through every single search result!
A few other small but useful changes:
- On the lock screen, you’ll be able to toggle whether your username and profile pic are displayed.
- When installing an app, you’ll see a progress bar right on the launcher. No more wondering if it’s actually working!
- Removing Google Play services will now warn that it’ll remove all your Android apps too. Don’t wanna accidentally delete those.
- App management and notification settings will get split into separate sections. Less bundled clutter.
No word yet on exactly when these features will roll out. If you’re tech-savvy, you can try out the search filters now by enabling an experimental flag. But no guarantees it’ll be completely stable yet!
For the rest of us, looks like we’ll have to hang tight for the official update. But some handy little upgrades to look forward to on ChromeOS down the road!