Google announced early in 2015 that its Chrome browser will still support Windows XP operating system until the end of the year. (Photo : Reuters)
Google will be rolling out a new Chrome OS update that includes a new launcher with a built-in Google Now feature for Chromebox and Chromebook users.
The tech giant already made the new launcher dubbed as the Chrome Launcher 2.0 available for users on the Chrome OS beta channel. Google's new launcher is noticeably different from preceding versions.
When a user wants to see installed apps, the new launcher now opens up a bigger window in the screen's center, similar to Google Chrome's new tab menu. The previous launcher only showed a smaller pop-up window, according to PC World.
Google's logo can be seen on the new launcher's screen, along with a search box. It will also show four of the user's most recent apps. There is also a small button to reveal all of the user's apps.
The new launcher also shows Google Now information cards below the displayed apps just like how it appears on Android smartphones and tablets, according to Engadget.
The Chrome OS beta also features several new additions such as support for password-protected compressed files and a location-based automatic time zone setting.
Chrome apps will be also revamped with Google's Material Design. The Chrome OS' Files app now sports a new look.
For Chrome OS users interested in trying the new beta channel, it can be found in Settings under "About Chrome OS." Users will need to click the ""Change channel" button found after the "More info" button. After clicking the correct buttons, the device will need to restart. The "Check for and apply update" button will need to be clicked after restarting.
