14 DAY TRIAL // Google has updated both the dev and the beta channel Chrome OS for Chromebooks. Owners that are running the more experimental channels should be receiving an update any minute now, if they haven't already. Of course, since the whole process is invisible, most users won't even notice.
The latest updates bring newer Chrome browser versions but also platform-specific fixes.
Dev channel users have received the updated Chrome OS 1122.0.0, which comes with the rather recent Google Chrome 16.0.898.0.
On the beta channel, Chrome OS 1011.43 comes packed with Google Chrome 15.0.874.51.
If you're paying close attention, you'll notice that the browser versions are a bit behind what desktop users, running Windows, Mac OS or Linux, are being offered.
If you've been following Chrome OS development, you may have also noticed that the version number has changed from along the lines of 0.14.811.117 to the new 3-part format.
Dev channel Chromebook owners now get support for Cisco L2TP over IPSec. The Pepper version of Flash, which comes built into Chrome and Chrome OS, has been updated to Flash Player 11.0.31.200, the latest, recently released major update.
Of course, all of the updates and fixes from the latest Chrome dev update benefit Chromebook owners as well.
Beta channel Chromebook owners get the same updated Flash Player plugin, a newer Netflix plugin and some stability and functionality fixes.
They're also getting first look at the revamped New Tab Page and a new Web UI login. Again, all of the fixes and changes from the desktop version of the Chrome browser available in the beta channel are available to Chromebook users as well.
All Chromebook owners, regardless of whether they're running Chrome OS on an Acer AC700, Samsung Series 5 or the older, prototype Cr-48, should be receiving the latest updates soon, if they haven't already.