The stable release of Chrome OS 118, an operating system based on the Linux kernel, UPSTART system manager, EBUILD/PORTAGE assembly tools, open components, and the Chrome 118 browser, is now available. While Chrome OS primarily focuses on web applications rather than standard programs, it does include features such as a multi-window interface, desktop, and taskbar. The source texts for Chrome OS are distributed under the free Apache 2.0 license. Chrome OS 118 is available for the majority of relevant chromebook models, and there is also an editorial version called Chrome OS Flex for use on ordinary computers.
Some of the main changes in Chrome OS 118 include:
- The ability to restore forgotten passwords and regain access to data tied to the account.
- A new display mode for Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) in the form of tabs, allowing users to work with multiple documents within one window. Developers can also customize the home tab for their applications.
- Simplified printer settings, including the addition of contextual guidance on printer usage, easier printer selection and preservation, as well as troubleshooting options.
- Integration with IMPRIVATA ONESIN service.
- Improved interface design for text editing on touchscreen devices, with more intuitive control gestures and a new cursor position indicator.
- A new Bluetooth stack based on Fluoride, transferred from Android platforms, and continued development of the Blayedroid stack from Broadcom.
- Various bug fixes and improvements.
For more information and details, you can visit the official Chrome OS 118 release blog post.