Are you a Chromebook user looking for something new? Then you are in for a treat. A week after releasing Google Chrome version 84 for desktops, Google has just released Chrome OS 84 for Chromebooks from developer channel to the stable channel. And It has come with tonnes of exciting features and developments. Let’s look at these features and also how you can upgrade your Chromebook to Chrome OS version 84.
Chrome OS 84 Features
1. Explore app
It is the first feature you will notice with the new Chrome OS 84. The Explore app comes to replace the “Get Help” application present in earlier versions of Chrome OS. It comes with a lot more tips and tricks about the overall usage of the device. Think of the Explore application as a guidebook for navigating through your Chromebook.
Explore application
The app also features a “Perk” section that provides links to various offers available. For example, Chromebook users in the U.S can get 100 GB of storage with Google One for a year, free access to Disney+, and many more offers.
Explore app homepage
The Explore app provides tutorial posts on various activities you can carry out on your Chromebook. For example, Connecting an android phone, Fix internet connection problems, Install Android applications, and much more.
2. Take photos with the volume buttons
This feature is only available for Chromebooks that can be used as a laptop and tablet. While in tablet mode, use the up or down volume button to take a photo or start/stop a video recording. You can take a screenshot by holding down the power button and the volume down button. It is the same as in most android phones.
Recorded videos are saved with the MP4 (H.264) file format. That makes it more comfortable using the video in other applications since MP4 is a popular media extension.
3. Overview mode
It is another significant improvement you will notice with Chrome OS 84. The overview mode or F5 button in regular keyboards enables users to view all the system’s open windows. It has now come with significant improvements. Users can now drag open windows and place them on either side of the screen, giving you a split view.
Overview mode
If you have a multi-monitor setup, this new overview mode enables you to move open windows either from primary to secondary monitor and vice-versa.
4. Linux (Beta) Updates
Another improvement you will find in Chrome OS 84 is the new additions made to the Linux (Beta) environment. Users now have the power over microphone access in the settings. By default, this setting is turned off, but you can change this anytime.
Linux (Beta)
5. Resize Virtual Keyboards
Another area that has received improvements is the on-screen keyboard. Initially, you could only resize the virtual keyboard by enabling a flag. With Chrome OS 84, you can resize the manual to your preferred size by dragging the keyboard’s corners.
Virtual Keyboard
6. Search in ChromeVox
Chrome OS 84 comes with amazing improvements in ChromeVox. You can now search within ChromeVox menus more easily and get your results much faster. To get started, open the menu, and you should immediately see a search field. You can search for a specific menu item or navigate through the various menu items using arrow keys.
ChromeVox
Upgrade to Chrome OS 84
Upgrading to Chrome OS 84 is quite easy. The Chrome OS is among the most comfortable operating system on which to perform an upgrade. It is a single-click procedure. Follow the steps below.
i). Open the settings application and click on the “About Chrome OS” tab on the right pane.
You should be able to see the current version of Chrome OS running on your Chromebook. Currently am using version 83, as shown in the image below.
Update ChromeOS
ii). To update your Chrome OS, click on the “Check for Updates” button. Your Chrome OS will start upgrading to the latest Chrome OS version 84. When the upgrade is over, you will be asked to reboot your Chromebook.
Chrome OS 84
Since the rollout of Chrome OS version 84 has just begun, not all users might see the upgrade notification soon on their Chromebooks. For some, it might even take a few days. However, you can use the method above and check for the updates manually. That’s it! Feel free to leave your comment about the new features introduced to the Chrome OS.
