ChromeOS Flex has been in early access preview for five months, but it is now stable (version 103) and prepared for wider use.
This comes after Google decided to relaunch CloudReady as ChromeOS Flex in February after purchasing it in December 2020. Older Mac and Windows PCs that are no longer receiving updates can be converted into Chromebooks using this free operating system.
The code base, tab/application level sandboxing, read-only OS, background system upgrades, release frequency, and seconds-long boot time are all shared by devices running ChromeOS Flex.
The Chrome browser, user interface, Android cross-device connections, cloud sync (for settings and bookmarks), Google Assistant, and support for Family Link, Smart Lock, Instant Tethering, and Nearby Sharing are other commonalities. Even though Linux is supported on contemporary hardware, ChromeOS Flex does not have access to the Play Store or any Android apps.
You may install ChromeOS Flex over a network (great for fleets) or through USB device, allowing you to boot immediately into it and give it a test run. Windows and macOS computers with an Intel or AMD x86 processor and Google’s OS are compatible.
The business has certified over 400 devices as functioning with Flex as of right now, and hopes that devices up to ten years old will be compatible. The internal display, networking, USB, webcam, and other crucial components will all function thanks to certification.
You can still try ChromeOS Flex even if your device isn’t yet certified because additional certifications are being added daily!
Google has fixed more than 600 bugs since the early access program, with the hardware requirements being the following:
Architecture: An x86-64-bit compliant device from Intel or AMD RAM: 4 GB 16 GB of internal storage possible to boot from a USB drive Full administrator access to the BIOS. If you have problems, you’ll need to boot from the Chrome OS Flex USB installer and make certain modifications in the BIOS. Graphics and the processor: Using components from before 2010 could lead to a subpar experience. Notably, Chrome OS Flex performance requirements are not met by Intel GMA 500, 600, 3600, or 3650 graphics hardware.
All users full instructions can get ChromeOS Flex for free using the Chromebook Recovery Utility addon. Enterprise users that want fleet management and support must pay for Chrome Enterprise or Education Upgrades . The new experience will be upgraded for current CloudReady clients.
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