Google Releases ChromeOS Flex, a Cheap USB Stick to Revive Old Laptops

Google has released a cheap USB stick priced at $3 (approximately Rp 51,328) that can be used to “revive” old laptops to keep them functional. The USB stick, named ChromeOS Flex USB, is designed to help users install the ChromeOS Flex operating system more easily on older PC or Mac devices. ChromeOS Flex is a lightweight, cloud-based operating system specifically designed for older devices, such as Windows PCs and MacBooks from 2010 or earlier. Unlike ChromeOS on Chromebooks, ChromeOS Flex does not support Android apps from the Play Store, and Linux support is also limited. The OS is not equipped with specific hardware optimisations. Meanwhile, ChromeOS Flex is more universal but comes with several feature and compatibility limitations. In other words, ChromeOS Flex is a simpler version of ChromeOS. Because it is designed to be lighter and cross-platform (Windows and Mac), ChromeOS Flex can give a “second life” to users’ old PCs so they do not have to discard them immediately. Although it does not immediately make the devices very powerful, the ChromeOS Flex USB Kit can help restore ageing laptops to usability. Google is marketing this product in partnership with Back Market, a company specialising in refurbished electronics. “Starting today, the ChromeOS Flex USB Kit is available on the Back Market website to help you install our fast, secure, and free operating system,” Google wrote on its official blog. Now, the process is simplified by using just the USB kit. Users simply need to insert the USB stick to install the operating system on the laptop. Google explains that users receive not only the USB kit but also installation guides and video tutorials. The presence of the ChromeOS Flex USB Kit is seen as an alternative for users who still have old laptops that are rarely used. Although after installing the operating system, the laptop cannot be used for heavy tasks like video editing or gaming, the USB stick can make the old device functional again for light activities. Although there have been many leaks, the existence of Aluminum OS has not yet been officially announced by Google. However, Sameer Samat, head of Google’s Android ecosystem, has confirmed that the company is merging ChromeOS and Android, as reported by KompasTekno from XDADevelopers.