Google Debuts New Chrome OS Launcher—and It Has Serious Windows Start Menu Vibes

Google is reinventing the Chrome OS launcher for the primary time in years because it marks the one-hundredth replace of its Chromebook working system.

The Launcher, Chrome OS’s model of the Windows Start Menu, is the place you entry apps, internet apps, latest packages, and the search operate. In latest Chrome OS variations, the app launcher would span your complete display horizontally, taking on priceless house even when it wasn’t in full-screen mode.

With replace 100, the launcher opens as a compact overlay on the left aspect of the display as a substitute of from the underside. As a outcome, browser home windows or open apps aren’t lined each time you need to conduct a search or discover a new app. From the clips Google despatched us, the brand new Launcher appears to be like comparable in some ways to the Windows 11 Start Menu in that it’s a small, floating translucent rectangle.

The modifications aren’t simply pores and skin deep. Finding and organizing apps ought to be simpler now you can organize apps by identify and shade together with the choice to record them manually. Newly downloaded apps will adhere to your group technique as a substitute of being tacked on to the underside as they’re now.

Also improved is the search operate, which exhibits a extra detailed preview of your search time period so you may get related info with out leaving the launcher. I may see this being helpful while you need to shortly verify the present temperature, inventory costs, or outline a phrase. Google says you should use the search previews to deliver up Chrome OS shortcuts, just like the button combo for taking a screenshot (ctrl+shift+present home windows) or activate caps lock (alt + search). You may even use search to scan by Chrome tabs as a substitute of flipping by every one solely to comprehend what you’re on the lookout for is in a unique window altogether.

Google didn’t present a agency launch date for the brand new launcher, solely committing to “coming soon.” It joins a handful of upcoming Chrome OS additions, together with the flexibility to edit textual content utilizing your voice through the dictation characteristic and create and share GIFs from the default digital camera app.