Google has released the Chrome OS 119 update, making it more convenient for Chromebook users to play Steam games directly from their app drawer. Previously, users had to own a compatible Chromebook and enable a flag to access Steam games. With the new update, a Steam icon will be available in the app drawer, allowing users to install the full version of the app with a single click. This update simplifies the process for Chromebook users to enjoy gaming on Steam. Users who haven’t received the update yet can manually install it by checking their settings.
In addition to facilitating Steam game access, the ChromeOS 119 update includes improvements to the Privacy Hub. Users can now toggle both the camera and microphone on and off directly from the hub, providing enhanced control over privacy settings. Chromebook Plus users will also gain the option to enable the new Google Drive File Sync feature, even when the Chromebook is offline.
Last month, Google introduced a new category of Chromebooks under the Chromebook Plus branding, featuring specific hardware requirements. These include an Intel Core i3 12th Gen (or above) or AMD Ryzen 3 7000 series (or above) processor, a minimum of 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, a display with IPS technology and Full HD resolution (or better), and a web camera with a resolution of 1080p (or higher) with Temporal Noise Reduction.