In a significant development for Chromebook users, Google has officially rolled out support for the Steam client on these devices, marking a new era in ChromeOS’s capabilities. However, this upgrade comes with a prerequisite: only Chromebooks that pack enough hardware muscle are eligible to run the gaming platform. This move positions Chromebooks not just as tools for productivity but also as potential gaming devices, a significant leap from their traditional image.
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As Android Central reports, the presence of Steam in ChromeOS 119 is initially manifested as an installation link in the app drawer, rather than a fully installed client. This approach offers users the flexibility to choose whether they wish to venture into the world of gaming. It’s a subtle yet impactful integration, reflecting Google’s strategy of offering more without cluttering the user experience.
The evolution of Steam’s presence in ChromeOS is noteworthy. Previously a hidden element within the system, its inclusion in the latest operating system version is Google’s nod towards official support. This change signals that Steam is no longer an experimental feature but a ready-to-use service for the general public.
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The ChromeOS 119 update isn’t just about gaming. It also introduces significant enhancements in privacy controls. A notable addition is the new feature in the Privacy Hub, allowing users to disable their camera and microphone. This feature underscores Google’s commitment to user privacy and control. Additionally, the update improves browser functionality, enabling users to save and recall specific groups of tabs, a boon for those who juggle multiple tasks online.
The journey of bringing Steam to Chromebooks has been a long one. Google first broached the subject in 2020, hinting at integrating Valve’s gaming platform into ChromeOS. However, the plan seemed to fade into the background until early 2023, when it resurfaced with new vigor. The testing phase initiated in March 2023 marked the beginning of the end for Chromebook’s gaming limitations, leading to the stable release in ChromeOS.
Despite this progress, the reality is that not all Chromebooks are fit for this new feature. The resource-intensive nature of many Steam games necessitates robust hardware, which means that only the more powerful, and likely more expensive, Chromebook models can offer a satisfactory gaming experience. This disparity highlights a divide within the Chromebook family; while some models step into a new realm of capabilities, others, particularly the budget-friendly versions, remain on the sidelines of this gaming revolution. The integration of Steam into Chromebooks is a significant step, but it’s a step that not all Chromebook users can participate in, at least for now.