Chrome OS exams variable refresh charge help

Google is testing help for variable refresh charges (VRR) within the Chrome OS 101 Dev Channel, as first noticed by Kevin Tofel at About Chromebooks. You must allow a flag at chrome://flags#enable-variable-refresh-rate to entry the function, which Google says can be utilized with “capable displays.”

VRR helps forestall screen-tearing by syncing the refresh charge of a show with the frames-per-second (FPS) of no matter’s on the display. Google’s check of the function might point out a smoother gaming expertise on Chrome OS, which might make sense contemplating Google simply introduced Steam is “coming soon” to Chrome OS. Rumors in regards to the launch of three potential gaming-focused Chromebooks have been floating round as properly, a chance that’s solely been made stronger with a brand new Chrome OS flag that provides RGB keyboard help.

But then again, VRR help might sign an upgraded refresh charge for future Chrome OS tablets. As my colleague Dan Seifert notes in his evaluation of the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 and the HP Chromebook X2 11, Chrome OS is presently fairly clunky when utilized in pill type. Tablets working Chrome OS will want VRR in the event that they wish to compete with the likes of Samsung and Apple — the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 lineup has a refresh charge of 120Hz, whereas the iPad Pro comes with ProMovement help (which is principally one other title for VRR) that makes scrolling animations smoother.