In the past few hours, the Chrome OS team has launched the version 72 of the operating system, bringing Android 9 Pie support on other Chromebooks and introducing some interesting features.
Google Assistant is now integrated natively in Chrome OS: instead of a small panel in the lower left corner, it is centered on the screen and similar to the new search/app launcher UI, you can also reduce the assistant to a small bar in the form of a pill.
Chrome OS 72 removes the ability to setup Chromecast dongles via Mac, Windows or Linux browser. Users could previously configure Wi-Fi, device naming, and more by going to chrome://cast.
Google is directing users to the Google Home app for Android and iOS. This change only applies to the installation process and not to all casting features: users can still send cards, videos or audio from Chrome OS to a Chromecast device.
Chrome OS 72 renews the user interface of Cast and its panel is now in the upper right corner with some minor graphic changes.
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Other changes include the reorganization of settings (password, payment methods, etc.), Picture-in-Picture mode in Chrome browser enabled by default when opening a video file, the USBGuard security system to prevent attacks from scanners, printers and other storage media and optimization of the Chrome browser for touchscreen devices.
Chrome OS 72 will be available for all Chromebooks in the coming weeks
