The newest developer release of Google's browser-based operating system should be more familiar to Windows and Mac OS X users, with a taskbar and windows that can be resized and moved.
Stephen Shankland
Stephen Shankland worked at CNET from 1998 to 2024 and wrote about processors, digital photography, AI, quantum computing, computer science, materials science, supercomputers, drones, browsers, 3D printing, USB, and new computing technology in general. He has a soft spot in his heart for standards groups and I/O interfaces. His first big scoop was about radioactive cat poop.
The biggest change to the new Chrome OS interface is the ability to have multiple browser windows, each movable and resizable. Previously, the windows had only a full-screen view. And across the bottom is a task bar with shortcuts and system status details.
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Chrome OS app launcher screen
Chrome OS now gets a bigger grid from which to launch apps or Web pages.
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Chrome OS wallpaper choices
With windows that don't necessarily take up the full screen, Chrome OS now can make use of wallpaper. Here are the built-in choices.
4 of 5 Screenshot by Stephen Shankland/CNET
Chrome OS small windows
Chrome OS's resizable windows work better for intentionally small windows that might be subordinate to a primary window.
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Chrome OS interface elements
A diagram of how the parts of Chrome OS's user interface fit together.
