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Google pushed out ChromeOS 120 early final month, boasting a wealth of recent adjustments to the working system, together with extra data metrics, improved present functionalities, and additional mouse modification options. Now, nevertheless, one other patch has been rolled out for Chromebook customers, but it surely’s not as noteworthy as its earlier iteration, typically talking.
ChromeOS 121 brings some all-around bug fixes and resolutions for different technical points, but it surely additionally presents one main improve that actually bears mentioning—a giant Linux improve and a brand new Android model on your Chromebook. Let’s discover all the things else the brand new replace has introduced intimately.
All the pieces new in ChromeOS 121
The next is a complete rundown of all the things value discussing within the newest ChromeOS 121 replace. Make sure that to learn till the top for the most effective outcomes.
Linux will get upgraded to Debian 12
Upgrading Linux on ChromeOS to Debian 12
Probably, probably the most vital new change of the event pertains to the Crostini Linux terminal on ChromeOS, which has now been upgraded to Debian 12, going by the codename “Bookworm.” That’s good news for these technically inclined on this entrance, particularly those that make use of the comfort of Chromebooks for improvement functions.
Debian 12 is favorable over Debian 11 “Bullseye”
The improve signifies that all of the options encompassed by Debian 12 will now movement to Chromebook customers at any time when they boot up Linux on their finish. As per the official Debian weblog, this explicit variant of the well-established working system got here out in 2023, but it surely’s solely now that ChromeOS can also be getting a style of it.
For these not within the know, Bookworm is the most recent Debian iteration, and a brand new version of Debian 13, “Trixie,” is predicted to be launched someday sooner or later. As for Debian 12, a number of the frontline enhancements you’ll be able to anticipate from it embrace an enhanced package deal supervisor and extra themes and wallpapers.
Options galore in Bookworm
There’s additionally Linux kernel 6.1 to debate right here, probably the most up-to-date kernel model within the enterprise proper now. Chromebook customers can profit from it as quickly as they replace their machine to the most recent ChromeOS replace. In case you’d like to learn extra on Bookworm’s characteristic choice, head to the builders’ launch notes weblog put up to remain within the loop.
Upgrading to Debian 12
Head over to the “Linux improvement atmosphere” part in your Chromebook’s “Settings” app, and it is best to discover a notification that alerts you concerning the newest Linux improve. Observe the on-screen directions, and also you’ll be all set transferring ahead.
The Android model has been seemingly upgraded as properly
Though it’s Android 14 for cell phones — the most recent accessible model of the working system — it seems Chromebooks have lastly been in a position to get Android 13 assist within the wake of ChromeOS 121, which is a fairly big deal.
Android 13 is nice for older Chromebooks
That’s proper. These sporting a not-so-high-end Chromebook manufactured within the final couple of years or so will discover this Android model improve fairly helpful for his or her trigger. Android 13 is thought to mitigate efficiency points on comparatively dated units, on prime of measuring as much as a way more hassle-free expertise.
I couldn’t spot this variation at first, however a put up by u/plankunits within the ChromeOS subreddit highlighted the occasion in a significantly better mild.
Figuring out your Android model
To make sure that your Chromebook has up to date to the current Android improve, head over to the “Settings” app in your Chromebook, then select the “Apps” part from the facet panel to the left. As soon as completed, enter “Google Play Retailer” from there, and click on “Handle Android preferences.” That ought to do it for now.
Managing Android preferences
When the separate “Android preferences” window opens, scroll down till you discover the “About machine” button. Click on it, and the Android model ought to develop into obvious instantly.
Coming into the “About machine” part
The “Delete” shortcut will get switched up
In case you have been beforehand unaware, Chromebooks let customers use the “delete” operate by combining two totally different keys—”Alt” and “Backspace.” The “Alt” half has now been changed with the “Search” key, which is correct above “Shift” in your Chromebook’s keyboard. This alteration has been a very long time coming and was lastly carried out with the arrival of ChromeOS 121.
In case you’re after extra keyboard shortcuts, right here’s a complete listing of all of them for a Chromebook that may instill extra comfort in your workflow in addition. Google Maps customers, nevertheless, ought to bide their time right here for a separate set of tip-top workarounds for on a regular basis menial duties.
ChromeOS keyboard shortcuts menu
Different options that ChromeOS 121 introduced
Though not too notable within the grand scheme of issues, the ChromeOS 121 launch notes recommend that a number of different adjustments have been made to Chromebooks within the wake of the most recent replace. Right here’s an summary of every, so that you don’t should miss out on something.
Borderless printing
Google says, “With a suitable printer, now you can print images on {photograph} paper, with out borders,” so there’s that. On a facet notice, right here’s Chrome Prepared’s tackle connecting a printer to ChromeOS, adopted by this information on the prime 10 Chromebook-compatible printers you should buy, simply in case you have been on the lookout for a brand new one.
No Google Assistant welcome display screen
“ChromeOS 121 removes the welcome or onboarding messages provided to a brand new consumer when launching Assistant on ChromeOS for the primary time,” iterates the developer on Google’s finish, which is self-explanatory.
Updating ChromeOS – The fundamentals defined
In case you’re new to Chromebooks, it is best to know that ChromeOS tends to replace routinely within the background, so that you don’t should are inclined to the matter manually. Nonetheless, for those who can’t anticipate the most recent replace simply to get loaded up onto your machine, be at liberty to examine your Chromebook for an impending replace.
The gist is to move over to your Chromebook’s “Settings” app, then click on the “About ChromeOS” part within the display screen’s bottom-left nook, with the facet panel absolutely scrolled down. As soon as completed, click on the “Verify for updates” button on the right-hand facet of the window, which ought to immediate the system to go looking the pipeline for the most recent patch.
Checking ChromeOS for updates
Conclusion – Linux goes large this time
ChromeOS is as dependable an working system as any, after which some, I’ll should say. Google retains Chromebooks rolling with stability in examine whereas staying according to its replace routine. The most recent patch- ChromeOS 121- has introduced some new adjustments value speaking about, together with the brand new Linux and Android model upgrades, however other than that, it was fairly normal.
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