What is the difference between Chrome OS Flex and Chrome OS?

in february, The Google about launch Chrome OS Flex, which is a version of the operating system of the same name for older computers with persistent performance issues and slowness. However, there are some Critical differences between software versions.

First of all, the Chrome OS Only available at Chromebooks and Chromeboxes And the Chromebases, being the official Google version of the platform. Chrome OS Flex is designed to run on different versions of computers and laptops, including some older MacBook models.

Support and hardware

Chrome OS Flex can be used on most computers with Intel and AMD processors, but it is Not compatible with ARM architecture. In any case, the system is only available on specific models, detailed in Official Google List – Some devices not listed work, but the company only guarantees a quality experience on listed devices. The company has optimized many Windows, Linux, and macOS devices for OS Flex.

Chrome OS Flex desktopsource: The Google

Chromebooks offer a ChromeOS-specific keyboard, but in OS Flex, the keys and shortcuts will remain the same as in the original computer system. Even some keys may become irrelevant if they are slightly specific to the previous program. Fortunately, it is possible to change the functions of the keys and shortcuts.

Google also states that Chrome OS Flex does not support some hardware features on Windows, Linux, and macOS computers. CD and DVD drives, Thunderbolt, and fingerprint readers are some of the components that can stop working on the system.

Security: Chrome OS vs. OS Flex

Chrome OS devices are built with a Google security chip to create protection and scan hardware and software for potential threats. Since Chrome OS Flex is available for different computers, the system does not provide the security chip.

However, Microsoft has agreed to a secure boot system that can keep booting secure on Windows devices — including, Google recommends keeping Secure Boot enabled, even though it doesn’t offer the same security guarantees as Chrome OS.

Chrome OS Flex on PC

Although Chrome OS Flex automatically encrypts user data, just like the official Google version, not all devices that support the system support Hardware Level Encryption (TPM) protection – even devices are encrypted, but they are more vulnerable to attacks. The list of TPM (Trusted Platform Module) compatible models is listed in the . file google page.

With regard to automatic BIOS and firmware updates, hardware manufacturers themselves provide updates – so each update will be different depending on the computer model. In Chrome OS, updates are managed by Google itself.

Does Chrome OS Flex Run Android Apps?

Unlike some Chrome OS devices, the . file Chrome OS Flex does not support downloading Android apps on computers. In addition, the system also does not support booting Windows through virtual machines.

However, depending on the computer, it is possible to use Linux on Chrome OS Flex. With this, the device guarantees a wider range of application installation capabilities compared to the traditional Chrome OS, especially on models that do not support the Play Store. To take advantage of it, you must have knowledge of Linux.

Despite the great functionality of Chrome OS Flex, Google says it can’t guarantee the same performance, power, and reliability benefits that Chrome OS offers on its devices.