Reviving Old Chromebooks: Google Expands Availability of ChromeOS Flex
Don’t throw away your out-of-date Chromebook just yet! There’s new evidence suggesting that Google may expand the availability of ChromeOS Flex to old laptops. This exciting development comes from tech news site Chrome Unboxed, who recently discovered references to a “Flexor” project in Google’s Chromium Repositories.
What is ChromeOS Flex?
ChromeOS Flex is a cloud-based, lightweight version of ChromeOS that can breathe new life into old PCs and Macs, turning them into Chromebooks. Originally designed for businesses and students to revive outdated hardware, anyone can now join the program. All you need is an old computer and a USB drive with enough space to house a bootable version of Flex.
New possibilities for old laptops
Currently, Chromebooks are unable to run the Flex system. However, there are indications that this may change in the near future. The recent discovery of code in Google’s repositories suggests that a thirteenth partition could be added to ChromeOS, specifically for ChromeOS Flex. The file size of this partition is 10GB, indicating that it’s not just a small addition, but an entire operating system.
When the installation process begins, a message reading “Start flex-ing” is expected to appear on the screen. This exciting development could give your old, forgotten laptop a new lease on life.
Google’s focus on longevity and repairability
This news comes at an interesting time, as Google has recently shown a renewed interest in device longevity and repairability. The announcement that the Pixel 8 will receive seven years of updates post-launch is just one example of this commitment. It’s great to see this attitude potentially expanding to their laptops as well.
Google has faced criticism in the past for allegedly abandoning certain Chromebook models, leaving them vulnerable to cyberattacks. In response, the company pledged to provide software updates for Chromebooks for the next 10 years after a product launch. However, not all laptops will receive the same level of support due to the rules of the 10-year plan.
The future of support for Flex Chromebooks
If the Flexor project comes to fruition, users may no longer have to worry about uneven support for their Chromebooks. Imagine buying a super cheap $65 Chromebook, installing Flex, and knowing that your personal information is safe. However, it’s too early to say for sure if Flex Chromebooks will receive the full 10 years of upgrades. We can only hope that they will.
Conclusion
This exciting news from Google’s Chromium Repositories suggests that old Chromebooks may soon have access to ChromeOS Flex. This cloud-based, lightweight operating system has the potential to breathe new life into outdated laptops. While it’s still in the early stages of development, we can’t help but be optimistic about the possibilities it offers for device longevity and repairability. So, before you toss that old Chromebook aside, keep an eye out for future updates on ChromeOS Flex!
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