Chrome OS beta users will be able to test the new Chrome Launcher 2.0 and a slew of new features including Material Design as well as Timezone Auto update.
The search engine giant, Google is set to roll out new Chrome OS update that will add new features such as a new launcher with a built-in Google Now for Chromebox and Chromebook user.
According to HighlightPress, Chrome OS beta users will be able to test the new Chrome Launcher 2.0. This new features comes with Google search bar, Material Design and Google Now.
The introduction of Google Now support is crucial as it brings the noted Android mobile feature to Chromebooks, enabling users to not only check their notifications but also weather and traffic information, news as well as appointments in card form. Judging by Google's Francois Beaufort recent Google+ post, the search bar should also be very useful.
This is the best way to start new activities on Chrome OS such as performing a Google search or launching apps. It's simple, fast and helps users to get things done, Beaufort said of the new launcher. In addition, frequently used apps have been put at users' fingertips, search has been enhanced to help users find what they are looking for faster, and the power of Google Now has been brought to your chromebook, the self-described Mountain View's "Happiness Evangelist," François Beaufort added.
NewsEveryday noted, unlike the previous launcher that only showed a pop window when opened to see installed app, the new launcher opens up bigger window in the screen center, just like Google Chrome's new tab menu. Besides showing four of the most recent apps used by the user, the window would sport a Google's logo on the screen and a search box. The reports hint that the new update might bring new design for Chrome apps, Google Material Design. The Chrome OS files are getting a new look too.
To join Google's Beta channel, Chrome OS users can simply click on their account picture while logged in as Owner an then go to setting > About Chrome OS, then click on More Info and then click on Change Channel. It is important to keep in mind that switching from the Beta Channel to the Stable Channel will require a complete wipe of user's machine.
Besides the Chrome Launcher 2.0 and Material Design, a sneak peek at the new features users' would get on the latest Beta Channel if they switched now included:
Password-protected ZIP support.
Users can now unzip password-protected ZIP file immediately.
Timezone Autoupdate
Chrome OS will not only automatically detect a change in location but also update user's system timezone.
