Don’t throw away your out-of-date Chromebook simply but as newly discovered proof suggests Google could develop the provision of ChromeOS Flex to the previous laptops.
This info comes from tech information website Chrome Unboxed after they not too long ago dove into Google’s Chromium Repositories the place they stumbled throughout references for a “Flexor” challenge. They dug deeper finally discovering code speaking about putting in a thirteenth partition to ChromeOS. The explanation why the web site believes the partition is definitely ChromeOS Flex is its file measurement is 10GB, indicating it is a whole working system and “not just a few small addition.”
There’s even a be aware within the repository stating putting in the script “inserts a thirteenth partition on disk”. Apparently when set up begins, a message studying “Begin flex-ing” will seem on the display, based on Android Central.
Why ChromeOS Flex is vital
Now you might be questioning: what even is ChromeOS Flex?
Nicely, it’s a cloud-based, light-weight model of ChromeOS that may flip previous PCs and Macs right into a type of Chromebook. This technique can run on desktop computer systems in addition to laptops alike. It was meant primarily for companies and college students to revive outdated {hardware} right into a well-performing machine, however anyone can be a part of this system. You simply need to register on Google’s web site first.
Directions for putting in the working system can be found on-line. The one factor you’ll want, moreover an previous laptop, is a USB drive with sufficient area to deal with a bootable model of Flex. Chromebooks are unable to run the Flex system at present. Nevertheless, that might change someday within the close to future. That decrepit laptop computer amassing mud may have a brand new lease on life.
It’s arduous to say for positive when this replace will launch precisely. On the time of this writing, Google programmers have been engaged on the Flexor challenge for a few week. Humorous sufficient, one of many group members left a message within the repository stating “doing the ultimate set up, hold fingers crossed”. As Chrome Unboxed factors out, every little thing remains to be in a “very early course of”
Evaluation: Long run assist
That is coming at an attention-grabbing time because it’s part of Google’s renewed curiosity in system longevity and repairability. We noticed this not too long ago with the announcement that the Pixel 8 will get seven years of updates publish launch. It’s nice to see this angle probably develop in the direction of their laptops.
The tech large has obtained a variety of flack from customers, accusing the corporate of abandoning many Chromebook fashions, leaving them susceptible to cyberattacks. Since then, Google has made an about face by pledging to “roll out software program updates to Chromebooks for the following 10 years after a product launch”. Nevertheless, as a result of guidelines of the 10-year plan, sure laptops is not going to obtain the identical stage of assist as others. Some have shorter replace cycles.
If the Flexor challenge involves fruition, customers won’t have to fret about uneven assist. You might purchase that tremendous low cost $65 Chromebook, set up Flex, and relaxation straightforward understanding your private info is protected. Now the query is will Flex Chromebooks obtain 10 years of upgrades? We do not know. Hopefully, they’ll, however once more, it’s too early to say for positive.
Should you’re heading again to highschool (or fascinated about it), we advocate testing TechRadar’s record of the greatest scholar Chromebooks for 2023.
