Only last week did Google release Chrome 53 for Mac, Windows and Linux, and the update brought a number of improvements along with the long awaited Material Design update for Windows, something that had been available on Mac since Chrome 52 and on Chrome OS since April. Now though, it’s time for Chrome OS to receive its next update, Chrome OS 53.
Chrome OS 53 had been a long awaited update due to the fact that it was expected to include support for Android apps. As part of the update, Google has redesigned the overview mode with a Material Design look, bringing it in line with the rest of the OS. Unfortunately, though, the highly anticipated Android apps support has not been included in this update, despite many expecting the opposite. Google has decided to delay the feature for the three Chromebooks that already have access to the Play Store, though it’s not yet known until when. Moving back to what has changed, though, users can now view any and all windows that they have open at once using the Overview Mode. While this is useful in itself, Google has made it even better by ensuring users can enable it quite simply, which is done through an integrated shortcut on the shortcut row. Additionally swiping up on the trackpad using three fingers will also bring up Overview Mode, so there is more than one way to get to it. The feature is similar in many ways to Task View in Windows 10. Aside from receiving a new Material Design makeover, the feature now makes the most of the device’s display real estate and also provides better labeling.
Also included is the addition of arrow keys that now allow users to scroll through the open windows. Another change can be seen in the settings menu which now includes a more detailed storage manager that splits the occupied space into downloads, offline files, Android storage, and more. The new version of the OS now also better highlights accessibility features and also includes a new app API. While this should be rolling to any and all Chromebooks that are still supported by new updates, Google will not be pushing to the update out to the three Chromebooks which currently have Play Store access, with no mention of when these devices will see the update.