Chromebooks Update [November 2013]

Notable new features include:

• Enable SSL Inspection
• HP Chromebook 11 Charger Defect
• Keep Tabs on Media now in Beta
• 1-Click Browser Reset

Full release notes below...

Protect Students With Web Filtering

Securly protects students on computers throughout the school while giving them safe access to 21st century learning tools like YouTube, Google and Wikipedia.

• Safe Search
• Safe Social Media
• YouTube for Schools
• and more...

Learn More

Admin Updates

Enable SSL Inspection for Chrome Devices

The Admin console has been updated. This update brings a new option for organizations with SSL web filters enable SSL inspection for Chrome devices. Admins can set up certificates through the Network section of the Admin console.

(Source)

HP Chromebook 11 Charger Defect

Google and HP are pausing sales of the HP Chromebook 11

A small number of users have reported that some chargers included with the device have been damaged due to overheating during use. Google is working with the Consumer Product Safety Commission to identify the appropriate corrective action.

(Source)

Keep Tabs on Media now in Beta

You can now visually scan your tabs for a speaker icon to quickly identify tabs with video or music playing. Chrome will also indicate which tabs are currently using your webcam or are being cast to your TV.

(Source)

1-Click Browser Reset

Websites and programs are always asking you install toolbars and extensions, some of which may actually change your browser security settings.
(Source)

Stable Channel Releases

This is a list of stable channel releases from the past month:

• Chrome (November 14) - Release 31.0.1650.57 for Windows, Mac, Linux and Chrome Frame. (Source)
• Chrome OS (November 12) - Release 31.0.1650.48 for Windows, Mac, Linux and Chrome Frame.  (Source)

Chromebooks Update [October 2013]

Notable new features include:

• New Chromebooks!! Check out the HP Chromebook 11 & Acer C720
• Admin Updates - Regulate automatic reboots
• Share Docs, Slides and Drawings with people who do not have a Google Account
• Chrome OS Update - The Stable channel has been updated to 30.0.1599.101

Full release notes below...

2 New Chromebooks

Introducing the HP Chromebook 11 & Acer C720

HP Chromebook 11	Acer C720
Highlights 0.69 inches thin and 2.3 lbs USB micro charger 176-degree viewing angles No Sharp edges	Highlights 0.75 inches thin and 2.76 lbs Boots up in less than 7 seconds Up to 8.5 hours of use 11.6” display
For full specs and release timelines click the link below to get in touch with a Newmind Chromebooks team member.

Get the new Chromebooks

Get a Quote

Admin Updates

Regulate automatic reboots

Scheduled reboot, allows admins to set a time period for devices to automatically reboot. Auto reboot after updates, will control whether a reboot occurs after a successful update. Both policies will apply when the device is at the sign- screen.
(Source)

Share Docs, Slides and Drawings with people who do not have a Google Account

Based on recency of websites visited

Files shared outside your domain to an email address not linked to an existing Google Account can be viewed without having to sign in or create a new Google Account. If a file is shared with edit or comment permissions, the recieving user must still sign in with a Google Account in order to edit or comment on that file.
(Source)

Flash Player Update

We are updating Flash Player to version 11.9.900.117 on Windows and Mac via our component update system (i.e. there will not be a Chrome update).

(Source)

Stable Channel Releases

This is a list of stable channel releases from the past month:

• Chrome (October 15) - Release 30.0.1599.101 for Windows, Mac, Linux and Chrome Frame. (Source)
• Chrome OS (October 14) - Release 30.0.1599.101 for all Chrome OS Devices. (Source)
• Chrome for Android (October 2) - Release 30.0.1599.82 (Source)
• Chrome (October 3) - Release 30.0.1599.69 for Windows, Mac and Chrome Frame. (Source)
• Chrome (October 1) - Promotion of Chrome 30 to the Stable channel for Windows, Mac, Linux and Chrome Frame. (Source)
• Chrome (September 18) - Release 29.0.1547.76 for Windows, Mac, Linux and Chrome Frame. (Source)

Chromebooks :: Gen 2 is Here

Like a little brother taking his driver’s exam, Chromebooks are coming of age. When they made their debut last year, there were some naysayers who questioned the usability of a device that merged the OS and thebrowser, but as more and more people have moved their lives to the cloud, the viability of the Chromebook seemed more inevitable.

Schools in particular have been enamored with the ease of fleet management, quick start up, and long battery life of the Chromebook. Corporations have taken notice too of how Chromebooks can be a remedy for a lot of what ails them and cure some of their hardware headaches.

Early adoption can be hard when the innovation is untested in the real world. If you were waiting for some of the Chromebooks kinks to get worked out before you jumped in, mark... set... go...


Google and Samsung paired up again and just released the second generation of Chromebooks. These new devices bear a striking resemblance to their predecessor, but with a nice processor upgrade and 4GB memory upgrade that for you translates into speed. Faster browsing, faster start up, and faster response times.

What else should you expect?

• better scaling and multi window support
• app launcher bar with ability to pin apps
• support to view more file formats
• Google Drive support
• Google Docs offline support coming soon!
• new media player
• built in photo editor and uploader

In addition to the new Chromebook device, Google and Samsung are also unveiling the Chromebox. The Chromebox is a small and portable pc that can connect to any keyboard, mouse, or monitor. It boasts Bluetooth, 6 USB 2.0 ports, HDMI & DVI output, and 4GB Ram among other goodies.

There are also some changes afoot regarding the pricing structure for the admin panel that will be a nice boon to organizations who manage fleets of Chromebooks.

With all of these announcements and press releases hitting the tech news and blogs, Newmind is ready for your inevitable questions. Click here and let us know what’s on your mind.