Chrome, is one of the Google services that sees a number of updates occurring quite regularly. This is partly due to its nature of also being offered as a beta product, alongside the main Chrome offering. For instance, if you use Chrome on your android device (Chrome for Android) then you have the choice of being able to use the ‘beta’ version or the normal version. Likewise, if you are running Chrome OS on a device, like a Chromebook, then you have the option to run your system in a standard mode or in the beta channel mode, or for the very adventurous – the ‘developer’ channel. As such, the beta channels on both Chrome for Android and Chrome OS tends to see more often regular updating then a number of other apps and services.
If you are using the Beta Chrome for Android then roughly about a week ago, you would have seen the latest update landing bringing your device up to Chrome 42. To put it into perspective, the normal Chrome for Android was only updated to Chrome 41 at the same time. Well, today, it looks like the Chrome 42 has now arrived for Chrome OS running devices. At least, those running in the beta channel. In terms of what is new, there is a couple of things to note. The Google announcement advised that the first major change is that users can now pin their favorite apps directly to the app shelf. Following on from this, the next change is that the Files app has received a big dose of Materials Design. Not to mention, the calculator app has also received an update too. Last up, support for password-protected zip files has now also been added.
If you are running a Chromebook and have yet to check out the beta (or developer) channel and are unsure of how to do so, then do the following. Click on the bottom right-hand corner of the screen (where the time and battery icon are) and then click on “Settings”. Once the window opens, click on “About Chrome OS” at the top of the screen. After the screen changes, click on “More Info” (underneath ‘Check for updates’). On the next window, you will see the tab “Channel” and the drop down menu offering the different channels including ‘beta’ and ‘developer’. For more detailed instructions, see this post. Otherwise, click the source link below to read the full Google Chrome post.