Google has launched Chrome OS Flex, a capacity to come to a decision older Home windows and Mac hardware and change the working system, turning them into Chromebooks.
Despite the incontrovertible truth that Google is asking Chrome OS Flex an “early internet admission to” and “unstable” venture, the thought that is involving: In space of disposing an mature PC that’s nearing the tip of its lifestyles, you can moreover turn it correct into a Chromebook as an alternative. Google has launched the contemporary working system on its dedicated Chrome OS Flex dwelling, although you’ll must trace in with an electronic mail to get download instructions.
Google looks to be positioning Chrome OS Flex for a dual cause: a capacity for buyers to attempt out the advantages of Chromebooks, and a capacity for enterprises to come to a decision into consideration how smartly they can also be managed. As an illustration, a Chrome OS Flex “snappy” will even be managed with Chrome Endeavor Increase, Google says. If this all sounds familiar, you’re shapely: Google sold CloudReady just a few years ago, and historical that company’s work as a capacity to expose laptop laptop PCs into Chromebooks. Google describes CloudReady as a “outdated version of Chrome OS Flex.” “Google will automatically update CloudReady units to Chrome OS Flex, when Chrome OS Flex is steady,” the company added.
Historically, DIY PC followers would both proceed an older PC running, scavenge it for aspects, or change the Home windows working system with a useful resource-mild version of Linux. Now, Google is offering them an additional choice: Substitute Home windows with Chrome OS, and experience the advantages of that streamlined working system. And that’s a demonstrate be reiterated: Chrome OS Flex doesn’t provide the flexibility to mosey Chrome OS in a window or a virtualized atmosphere, a la the contemporary Android apps for Home windows. As a replace, it replaces Home windows, and all of its recordsdata.
On a strengthen internet page, Google says that Chrome OS Flex will possible be a more small version of CloudReady, no longer less than for now: “Chrome OS Flex will no longer allow some system-stage internet admission to at the second on hand on CloudReady Home Model, alongside with: insist line internet admission to by the usage of shell and insist line internet admission to by the usage of teletype (TTY),” Google says.
Don’t request things to transfer smoothly, both. “This working system is aloof in early internet admission to on the dev channel—you can moreover simply experience some instability,” Google says.
Matthew Smith / IDG
Installing Google Chrome OS Flex seems identical to putting in Home windows 11 by the usage of set up media on a brand contemporary PC. You’ll want a USB key with 8GB or more. PCs will need no longer less than 4GB of RAM and 16GB of storage. The CPU restrictions are more lenient: You’ll want a 64-bit CPU, length. Which is de facto any processor made after the yr 2000. There are GPU restrictions, although: Intel GMA 500, 600, 3600, and 3650 graphics hardware attain no longer meet Chrome OS Flex efficiency requirements, Google says.
The actual gotcha, however, looks to be simply in the diversity of acceptable PC hardware, and the design it can most likely interact with Chrome OS Flex. Google has printed an inventory of “certified items” that are both at the second certified or deliberate to be certified with Chrome OS Flex, and loads, many of them are listed with the caveat “minor components anticipated” next to them. (“Items are inclined to augment no longer less than classic efficiency, however are aloof being worked on by our team,” Google says rather circularly, in describing what “minor components” might moreover point out. “You would moreover mosey into minor components.”)
The certified items embrace both PCs and Macs.
So why wouldn’t you can moreover be making an attempt to set up Chrome OS Flex on an older PC? Neatly, there is the colossal listing of caveats that near with the set up. For one, omit Android apps, Google Play, or Parallels Desktop strengthen—that’s out, Google says. Google can’t arrange firmware updates on Chrome OS Flex units, nor can it provide verified boot capabilities. ARM PCs? Nope.
All this makes it seem be pleased adding Chrome OS Flex to an older PC is terribly grand a “employ at your like possibility” form of venture—however one that can aloof turn your older PC correct into a Chromebook, with out spending a dime. It’s price making an attempt out sooner than you toss it out.
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As PCWorld’s senior editor, Discover specializes in Microsoft info and chip skills, amongst different beats. He has formerly written for PCMag, BYTE, Slashdot, eWEEK, and ReadWrite.
