Google is broadly releasing Chrome OS Flex, a new version of Chrome OS designed for businesses and schools to install and run on older PCs and Macs. Google began testing Chrome OS Flex earlier this year and has now fixed 600 bugs.
It's a lightweight operating system that supports Google Assistant, Family Link accounts, Smart Lock, Instant Tethering, and Nearby Share. Unlike Chrome OS, it's compatible with a wide range of PCs and Macs, making it the perfect choice for businesses or anyone with outdated hardware.
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Specifically, Chrome OS Flex is designed primarily for businesses using older Windows PCs, as Google is testing and validating devices from Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, LG, Toshiba, and many other manufacturers. Flex will even run on some older Macs, including some 10-year-old MacBooks.
Support for legacy devices is a big advantage for Chrome OS Flex, as businesses don’t have to abandon existing hardware to get the latest modern operating system. More than 400 devices have been certified to work, and installation is incredibly easy.
“We’re working on more certifications every day, and even if your device isn’t yet certified, you can try Chrome OS Flex,” explains Thomas Riedl, director of product, enterprise, and education at Google. However, it’s worth noting that on devices that aren’t officially supported, there may be some minor issues (e.g., boot issues).
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Chrome OS Flex was made possible by Google's acquisition of Neverware , which previously sold an app called CloudReady that allowed users to turn old computers into Chrome OS systems. This release comes a year after Microsoft released Windows 11 with strict hardware requirements that millions of older computers can't meet.
Google recommends Chrome OS Flex for businesses and schools looking to modernize and simplify their IT setup or improve security and manageability. It's also a good choice for businesses focused on sustainability, allowing them to reduce e-waste and energy consumption.
However, the biggest advantage of Chrome OS Flex seems to be in addressing the growing ransomware, especially for businesses that have been affected and want to move away from Windows. Chrome OS is more secure than Windows, and hackers can't attack as easily.
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But not all businesses and schools will be able to easily transition to Chrome OS Flex, especially if they rely on existing Windows apps and systems that were designed with Windows in mind. Furthermore, relying solely on a cloud-based operating system has its drawbacks. For example, last year there were two bad Chrome OS updates that caused performance issues, while some users were unable to access Chromebooks .
Either way, Chrome OS Flex seems to be another option for those looking to move away from Windows.
Source: www.theverge.com
