Chrome OS 69 brings official support for Linux apps

Google continues to evolve its Chrome OS into an ever more functional desktop, notebook, 2-in-1 and tablet operating system. Version 69 builds on native support for Android apps with virtualized support for Linux applications. This goes a long way to broaden the appeal of Chrome OS beyond the case for it just being a secondary device. In fact, for some users, this could help make a Chrome OS-powered device their daily driver.

Support for Linux apps, however, does not extend to 32-bit ARM-based Chromebooks or x86 Intel Baytrail-based devices. Google explains that 32-bit ARM devices generally don’t have sufficient RAM while Intel’s Baytrail chips don’t support virtualisation.

In addition to support for Linux apps, Chrome OS v69 updates the look and feel to Material Design 2.0. This helps to bring Chrome OS in line with Android and its freshly revamped Chrome browsers, which recently celebrated its tenth anniversary. Other features include Night Light support, fast access to emojis and better support for running Chrome OS on tablets. There is now also native support for Team Drives in the Files app.

As a Stable Channel OS, it means you can feel free to dig straight to try out the latest features in Chrome OS yourself. With the Pixelbook 2 unveiling just around the corner, we might also soon see Google bring support for dual-booting Chrome OS devices into Windows 10 -- then it will truly be game on.

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