Google pumps the power of Google Now in the overhauled launcher for the Chrome OS, departing from the overview of apps to a more web-centric display akin to a blank tab in the Chrome browser.
Google built its house on its Search and now it is remodeling its Chrome OS to make the platform more useful to owners of Chromebooks and boxes. The term "remodeling" was used because the new Chrome launcher is still in beta and still very much a work in progress.
For those who don't mind the mess and would like to tour the new launcher, Chrome evangelist Francois Beaufort has encouraged them to tap into the Chrome's Beta Channel and to give the new loader a try. For those who would like to try it but are a little afraid of trying out unfinished products, Beaufort said he's been using the launcher every day and there's nothing to fear.
"Don't worry, though; if you're a tech-savvy explorer, craving new features and willing to take a little risk, you should try out the Chrome OS Beta Channel and get the latest features sooner," stated Beaufort in a Google+ post.
The new launcher, according to Beaufort, is fast and uncomplicated, and it helps people get things done. It's the best way to dive into new activities on the Chrome OS, he said.
"Search has been enhanced to help you find what you are looking for faster: apps you most often use right have been put at your fingertips, and the power of Google Now has been brought to your Chromebook," said Beaufort.
Elsewhere on the Beta Channel, improvements to support for password-protected ZIP files and an auto-update for Timezone are rolling down the pipeline. Users will have the ability to make Chrome remember passwords for protected ZIP files and they'll also have the option to set timezones to update based on the individual's locations.
Also on the remodeling agenda, the Chrome OS Files app is due for a fresh coat of Material Design. Other apps will be stripped and repainted with the sleek, contemporary design scheme Google first released in Android 5.0 Lollipop.
Just a final word of caution: for users unhappy with any of the beta elements and are intent on reverting to a stable release, stepping back will wipe all local data on the Chromebook or Chromebox.
"It will be like getting a new Chromebook: all users will have to re-add their Google accounts," stated Google.
