Google's new Chrome OS can turn your PC or Mac into a Chromebook

Chrome OS is coming to PC and Mac gadgets for the primary time after Google unveiled a new platform that it hopes can lengthen the attain of its software program to much more gadgets.The new Chrome OS Flex is designed to run on older machines, and appears to supply companies and faculties specifically with more flexibility on their software program selections.

The "cloud-first" software program seems just like the equal already seen on Chromebook gadgets, providing a stripped-back technique to entry Google Workspace instruments corresponding to Gmail, Meet, Google Docs, with 1000's of apps out there from the Play Store.

Chrome OS Flex

"End-user computing is complicated. And it’s even more complicated for businesses and schools," Thomas Riedl, Google Cloud Director of Product, Enterprise and Education, wrote in a weblog put up saying the information. "Slow boot times, intrusive updates, security add-ons, and burdensome management of legacy devices take valuable time away from employees, students, and IT.""Chrome OS Flex modernizes devices you already own, allowing you to experience the benefits of Chrome OS on PCs and Macs."

Chrome OS Flex home screen

(Image credit score: Google)

Google says that Chrome OS Flex "boots up in seconds", that means there is no lengthy wait instances for your system to prepare, with system updates downloading within the background.Admins can set up Chrome OS Flex throughout enterprise or college gadgets through USB or community, permitting for a speedy roll-out, with person profiles downloaded by means of the cloud, mechanically syncing their settings, insurance policies and bookmarks.Chrome OS Flex may also profit from Google's common safety updates in opposition to the most recent threats, and Google additionally notes that as a result of its un-demanding specs, utilizing Chrome OS Flex means you can hold your current gadgets for longer, serving to lower down on e-waste.Riedl famous that the launch had been helped by Google's 2020 acquisition of Neverware, whose Chromium-based CloudPrepared OS helped companies all over the world shift onto the corporate's software program.

Google says that Chrome OS Flex is just not a completed product but, however customers can attempt the new software program as a free trial now forward of a wider launch later this yr.