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Chrome OS 48 adds a new downloads interface, Material Design Video app, more

chrome-os-48

Last week, Chrome 48 for Mac, Windows, and Linux brought few user facing updates. Now, version 48 of Chrome OS was just released and brings improved download notifications, a Material Design Video Player, and other updates, in addition to security fixes.

The biggest feature that users of Chromebooks will notice is the new downloads interface. In the past, downloads were shown as a full length bar popping up on the bottom of a current window. Now, there is a card-like interface that briefly pops-up when the download starts and then disappears into the notification center, which is still present in Chrome OS. The card has buttons to pause or cancel the download.

This update also gives the Video Player a Material Redesign. If you’ve ever watched a video in Chrome for Android, you’ll find the player identical. Besides a play/pause button, seek bar, volume controls, and a full screen button, there are no other controls. If users want a fully featured media, they should download the recently announced VLC for Chrome OS.

The Google Photos web app/shortcut is made a default app, as well as Google’s Cultural Institute Wallpaper app that shows artwork from museums around the world. This update also has security fixes and updated recovery screens for when something goes wrong with Chrome OS, or when you dual boot Ubuntu frequently.

The update is rolling out now and all Chrome OS devices should receive in the future.

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