Google Chrome OS 12 arrives at beta stage

Some updates in the Chrome OS code as well as forums before Google I/O happened recently pointed towards the imminent release of a new version, and with the recent unveiling of Chromebooks to the masses (although they aren’t ready yet to ship since the first orders will start heading out at around June 15th), it does seem that this time window is there as Chrome OS still required some polishing work – after all, why release something that needs fixing right away? The latest update today makes the nudge to a final release even closer as Google Chrome OS 12 has arrived in beta.

This version has already been around the developer channel for two weeks thereabouts, and will see further testing in beta for at least a fortnight more before it ends up as the first stable version of Chrome – and we can sit tight and expect this to occur sometime before June 15.

Of course, you will most probably be curious to know just what does Chrome OS R12 offer on the table – in essence, it is more or less Chrome 12 itself, the browser in beta mode and a bunch of Chrome OS-specific features such as :-

• File browser
• Shiny new look
• Improvements to GSM support
• Verizon activation improvements
• New Flash player
• Feedback link is now under the wrench menu (“Report an issue”)
• 3G connection to the carrier fixes
• Wi-Fi connectivity/Out of the Box fixes
• New trackpad and sensitivity setting adjusted
• Auto update engine and debugging improvements
• Power optimizations
• GTalk video/chat optimizations
• Improved on screen indicators: brightness, network status, update icon

Edwin Kee
Categories: Computers
Tags: beta, Google, google chrome