Architecture: Intel or AMD x86-64-bit compatible device.

Check the Certified models list to see all the models that are maintained by Google for Chrome OS Flex To provide a reliable and predictable experience, Google has tested and optimized many of the world’s most popular models of Windows, Mac, and Linux devices. It works with x86 (Intel or AMD, but not ARM) Mac and Windows PCs that are up to a decade old or so. This includes booting directly from a USB drive to trial it without having to first install it. The Chrome OS Flex install process can occur over USB or over the network. That said, Chrome OS Flex hardware doesn’t have a Google security chip for verified boot, or a Trusted Platform Module (TPM). On the security front, there’s tab/application-level sandboxing, while “the read-only OS blocks executables where threats often hide.” Google also touts Safe Browsing and remote wipe capabilities for IT departments (via the Google Admin console).

This also includes the same code base, seconds-long boot time, background system updates, and release cadence. However, there are no plans at the moment to add the Play Store and support for Android apps to Chrome OS Flex, but newer hardware might allow for Linux. Other available features include Family Link, Smart Lock, Instant Tethering, and Nearby Sharing. That software is now becoming an official Google offering with Chrome OS Flex.īilled as a “free-to-download operating system” by Google, the original team directly integrated “the benefits of CloudReady into a new version of Chrome OS.” It offers the same user interface, Chrome browser, cross-device features/integrations with Android, cloud sync (for settings and bookmarks), and Google Assistant that’s found on Chromebooks today.

CloudReady is now becoming “Chrome OS Flex” and is launching in early access today.ĬloudReady’s big pitch was how it extended the life of old PCs that were no longer getting official updates. In December of 2020, Google acquired a Chromium-based operating system that turns old PCs into Chromebook-like devices.

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