Google releases a Chrome OS Beta channel update

SOFTWARE DEVELOPER Google has released a Chrome OS Beta channel update.

Days after Google released a beta of its Chrome 10 web browser with impressive speed claims, the firm has included it in a beta channel update of its Chrome operating system.

Release version 0.10.156.46 of Chrome OS has a few tweaks but its main update is better trackpad functionality for Google's pilot programme Cr-48 notebook.

Google has been faffing around with its own Chrome notebook since The INQUIRER covered the Cr-48 pilot programme in December last year. At least Google has tangible hardware, unlike its missing in action tablet that the rumour mill was touting last year.

Chrome release 0.10.156.46 is really an update so quality testers can test the user experience with added control settings and sensitivity before Google releases its own notebook onto the market.

The other updates for Chrome OS are much more general for anyone using it on other devices, including some stability and  security fixes.

The Chrome OS beta now has 3G model activation fixes and 3G connection fixes. WiFi connectivity has been updated and there are auto update engine and debugging improvements as well.

Google claims that power and Google Talk video chat have been optimised, but it doesn't specify how. Audio CPU utilisation has been improved and Google has added functionality updates to screen indicators.

Now users have brightness option, network status and update icons. Lastly, there's a security vulnerability fix to the Scratchpad application. µ