Posts Tagged ‘ChromeOS’
[GoogleIO2024] What’s New in ChromeOS: Advancements in Accessibility and Performance
The landscape of personal computing continues to evolve, with ChromeOS at the forefront of delivering intuitive and robust experiences. Marisol Ryu, alongside Emilie Roberts and Sam Richard, outlined the platform’s ongoing mission to democratize powerful technology. Their discussion emphasized enhancements that cater to diverse user needs, from premium hardware integrations to refined app ecosystems, ensuring that simplicity and capability go hand in hand.
Expanding Access Through Premium Hardware and AI Features
Marisol highlighted the core philosophy of ChromeOS, which has remained steadfast since its inception nearly fifteen years ago: to provide straightforward yet potent computing solutions for a global audience. This vision manifests in the introduction of Chromebook Plus, a premium lineup designed to meet the demands of users seeking elevated performance without compromising affordability.
Collaborations with manufacturers such as Acer, Asus, HP, and Lenovo have yielded eight new models, each boasting double the processing power of top-selling devices from 2022. Starting at $399, these laptops make high-end computing more attainable. Beyond hardware, the “Plus” designation incorporates advanced Google AI functionalities, like “Help Me Write,” which assists in crafting or refining short-form content such as blog titles or video descriptions. Available soon for U.S. users, this tool exemplifies how AI can streamline everyday tasks, fostering creativity and productivity.
Emilie expanded on the integration of AI to personalize user interactions, noting features that adapt to individual workflows. This approach aligns with broader industry trends toward user-centric design, where technology anticipates needs rather than reacting to them. The emphasis on accessibility ensures that these advancements benefit a wide spectrum of users, from students to professionals.
Enhancing Web and Android App Ecosystems
Sam delved into optimizations for web applications, introducing “tab modes” that allow seamless switching between tabbed and windowed views. This flexibility enhances multitasking, particularly on larger screens, and reflects feedback from developers aiming to create more immersive experiences. Native-like install prompts further bridge the gap between web and desktop apps, encouraging users to engage more deeply.
For Android apps, testing and debugging tools have seen significant upgrades. The Android Emulator’s resizable window supports various form factors, including foldables and tablets, enabling developers to simulate real-world scenarios accurately. Integration with ChromeOS’s virtual machine ensures consistent performance across devices.
Gaming capabilities have also advanced, with “game controls” allowing customizable mappings for touch-only titles. This addresses input challenges on non-touch Chromebooks, making games accessible via keyboards, mice, or gamepads. “Game Capture” facilitates sharing screenshots and videos without disrupting gameplay, boosting social engagement and app visibility.
These improvements stem from close partnerships with developers, resulting in polished experiences that leverage ChromeOS’s strengths in security and speed.
Fostering Developer Collaboration and Future Innovations
The session underscored the importance of community feedback in shaping ChromeOS. Resources like the developer newsletter and RSS feed keep creators informed of updates, while platforms such as g.co/chromeosdev invite ongoing dialogue.
Looking ahead, the team envisions further AI integrations to enhance accessibility, such as adaptive interfaces for diverse abilities. By prioritizing inclusivity, ChromeOS continues to empower users worldwide, transforming curiosity into connection and creativity.
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[DevoxxFR2015] Unlocking Chrome OS: Insights from Its Open-Source Code
François Beaufort, a Chromium Evangelist based in Paris, delivered an engaging session at Devoxx France 2015, sharing ten key lessons gleaned from diving into the open-source code of Chrome OS. Despite a last-minute rush to the stage, François captivated the audience with practical insights into Chrome OS’s architecture, emphasizing the power of exploring source code to understand and debug this web-centric operating system.
Exploring Chrome OS’s Open-Source Roots
François introduced Chrome OS, the operating system powering Chromebooks, built on the open-source Chromium OS project. He highlighted its web-based nature, where applications leverage HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. By enabling a specific flag, developers can right-click to inspect elements, revealing the underlying code of Chrome OS applications, such as the wallpaper app. This transparency allows direct debugging, transforming how developers interact with the system.
This accessibility, François noted, empowers developers to troubleshoot effectively.
Practical Debugging with Source Code
Through a real-world example, François recounted debugging a broken Linux distribution app, Gestan, on a Chromebook. By accessing the JavaScript console in the Dev Channel, he identified a compatibility issue with a Chrome update, enabling a swift fix. This approach bypasses traditional bug reporting, allowing developers to collaborate directly with maintainers. His session underscored the value of open-source code for rapid problem-solving.
François’s insights inspire hands-on exploration of Chrome OS.
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(long tweet) How to make ChromeOS work in VirtualBox without Wifi?
Case
How to make ChromeOS work in VirtualBox without Wifi, ie on an ethernet/wired local network, or even offline?
Quick Fix
Shutdown the VM > Select it > Settings > Network > Advanced > Adapter Type > select “Paravirtualized Network (virtio-net)”
(long tweet) Virtual Box / PAE processor
Case
On booting ChromeOS Vanilla within Virtual Box, I got the following error:
[java]This kernel requires the following features not present on the CPU: pae
Unable to boot – please use a kernel appropriate for your CPU.[/java]
(Actually, the problem occured with ChromeOS but may have appened with another system)
Quick Fix
In Virtual Box, select the VM > Settings > Processor > check “Enable PAE/NX”.