Rolling out now to all supported Chromebooks

Dec 19, 2019 13:57 GMT  ·  By

Just a few days after the release of its Chrome 79 web browser, Google promoted the Chrome OS 79 Linux-based operating system for Chromebooks to the stable channel, rolling out now to all supported devices.

Based on the recently released Google Chrome 79 web browser, which landed for Linux, Android, macOS, and Windows platforms last week, Chrome OS 79 is here with a bunch of improvements and new features, starting with media controls in the lock screen to make it more convenient for users to control their media.

The new media controls in lock screen feature allows users to control their media right from the lock screen when they're listening to audio on their Chromebook. Users will be able to play, pause, and skip audio tracks Spotify, YouTube Music, and many other apps without unlocking their Chromebook.

Mouse acceleration control, About Chrome OS changes

The Chrome OS 79 release also introduces a new feature that lets Chromebook users have control over the mouse acceleration by manually enabling or disabling mouse acceleration from Settings, and it now shows device's Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date details in the "About Chrome OS" section in Settings.

"Chromebooks, Chromebases, and Chromeboxes automatically manage updates to ensure your device always has the latest software and security features," said Google. "Your device's Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date details can now be found in the ‘About Chrome OS’ section in Settings."

Of course, Google also addressed numerous bug and security issues from previous versions in Chrome OS 79, which is rolling out now to all supported Chromebook devices as version 79.0.3945.86 (Platform version: 12607.58.0). Users with a supported device should be receiving the new version over the next several days, so make sure you update as soon as it's available for you.

Chrome OS 79 released with media controls in lock screen

Chrome OS 79 (3 Images)

Chrome OS 79 released with media controls in lock screen
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