Google has released an update to its Chrome OS to offers users a direct method to backup files to the company’s Google Drive cloud storage service.

The latest version of Google’s operating system allows users to save content without requiring them to save files locally before uploading, which makes it simpler to access content on Google Drive from other devices that run on Android and iOS.

“This week’s stable release also includes visual improvements such as a redesigned Cloud Print dialog and the ability to add custom wallpaper (for example, a picture of your cute little morkie). You can now also save files directly to Google Drive, so you can access files later from any device, including Drive on iOS or Android,” said Xiyuan Xia, Software Engineer and Apps Connoisseur at Google.

The search giant said the update includes a new apps launcher to the browser-based OS’s homepage.

The new launcher features a widget icon at the bottom of the screen that gathers all installed apps, similar to that of Microsoft Windows’ Start button.

“One theme we hear repeatedly from Chrome OS users is how much they enjoy the speed and simplicity of their Chromebooks. With this week’s stable release of Chrome OS, we’ve redesigned the apps list experience to make it easier to access your favorite apps and websites.,” Xia added.

Other than those two new additions, Google said it also offers a universal search box found at the top of the screen so users have a simpler way to navigate to apps, which is similar to that on Android’s Search app, without the need to open the web browser.

“Notably, we made the apps list much more compact, so you can access your apps without interrupting your browsing experience. We also added a search box at the top of the apps list, which you can use like an omnibox to search the web, specific websites, or the apps on your computer,” said the blog post.

The Chrome OS update includes audio support via USB and HDMI, set custom wallpapers, new sandboxing security functionalities, and “many more bug fixes”.

Xia said, “Under the hood, we’ve added audio support for USB and HDMI, additional sandboxing security features, and many more bug fixes.”

Google added in the blog post that these new features are part of its goal “to make sure your Chromebook and Chromebox get better over time”.

More:

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Source: Google Chrome Blog

About Francis Rey Balolong

A coffee junkie who spends most of his time writing about the latest news on social media and mobile technology. I would definitely consider myself a nerd (in the coolest most hipster way possible). That being said, I love technology, music, writing, and all things mobile. Follow me: Google+ Twitter

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