It seems that Google has the Chrome release schedule and Chrome OS back on track. Last week, version 84 of the Chrome browser fell just in time, and hopefully Chrome OS 84 should start rolling out in the next day or two. There were a handful of updates that we expected with this release, but a post on the Chromebook Support Forum reveals that Chrome OS 84 will come with a slew of rewards for Chromebook users. Let’s take a quick look at all the official announcements. When 84 starts rolling out, we’ll break down some of the more notable updates and additions. So without further ado, this is what’s new in Chrome OS 84.
To explore
Chromebooks come with a built-in “help app” that allows users to “discover” features and learn to navigate Chrome OS. Most users will likely dismiss this helper app when it appears during immediate setup, but I’ve found that it actually contains a wealth of useful information for new and experienced users alike. There’s even a support contact button that will take you to the official Chromebook support forum.
Recently, the help application has undergone a major overhaul and was renamed “Discover”. It looks like Google has decided to deviate from that brand and now Chrome OS 84 will introduce the completely revamped “Explore App” that brings with it Google’s material design and does a much better job of engaging users. With Explore, you can experience interactive tutorials, check out the benefits of Chromebook, and even get contact information for the manufacturer of your specific device. As with the help app, Explore will greet users when setting up a Chrome OS device for the first time.
Summary mode
We did not expect this update to drop to Chrome OS 85, but we were excited to see it arrive in this pending update. By using the overview mode in conjunction with an extended screen, you can now drag items from the overview to your external monitor. You can also adjust windows on both sides of your screen directly from the overview mode.
MP4 video capture
For as long as I can remember, Chromebooks have saved webcam videos as .mkv file formats. That’s great if you only play them locally or send them to someone else using a Chromebook, but it’s an awkward format that doesn’t work well with many other devices. In Chrome OS 84, the camera will now use the widely used .mp4 format for saving videos. This will make them easier to share with other users and most devices support this type of video file. In addition to the video update, convertible Chromebooks and tablets will now use the volume button to take photos. This will make hooking photos in tablet mode much easier. Also, if you press and hold the volume button with the camera app open, it will take a series of burst-like photos on a phone. ->
Everything else
Along with these important updates, the Chromium team removed 208 bugs in Chrome OS. Other notable updates and additions include microphone access for Linux apps that can be enabled through the Linux Settings menu (Beta), resizable virtual keyboard, ChromeVox search, and a few new emojis. You can spice up your chats with a yawning face emoji (🥱), an ear with a hearing aid (🦻), and a sari (🥻). As with Chrome 84, Chrome OS will now block executable file downloads through an unsecured mixed connection. I’m sure we’ll discover a few more things when Chrome OS 84 is rolled out in the coming days. So keep an eye out for updates on these new features and anything else we can find.
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