Skip to main content

Chromebooks could soon borrow Window 11’s best multitasking feature

In the near future, Chromebooks could borrow one of Windows’ best multitasking features. Currently, Chrome OS users might feel a bit envious of Windows 11’s robust split screen menu that allows vertical, horizontal, three-way, and four-way divisions.

A recent developer flag suggests Google is at least exploring the possibility of adding more versatile instant splits.

Chromebooks can multitask and have several windows open.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Chrome OS is already capable of running multiple apps and browser tabs at once. In fact, it is quite flexible, with many Chromebooks having the ability to install and run Android and Linux apps alongside Chrome apps. A side-by-side, vertical split screen is already possible on a Chromebook but it’s often more productive to have one window larger, such as the one-third and two-thirds split that seems to be in testing.

Recommended Videos

This option is not working yet, but the proof of the work being done can be seen in the Chrome OS Dev Channel by searching for a flag called Partial Split. A brief description states, “Enables the option to snap two windows into 2/3 and 1/3 for split view.”

A Chromium code dive by About Chromebooks discovered hints about how the feature might work. Apparently, the maximize button that’s located in the upper-right of every window could be used to invoke the new partial split screen mode. Holding the maximize button is already the way to activate a two-way split, so it makes sense for Google to add any new windowing options in the same control. Chrome OS also allows Alt-[ and Alt-] to resize and move a window to the left and right side and it seems likely that keyboard shortcuts will be added for the partial split feature if it’s approved for the Stable channel.

Snap Assist provides a choice to open a window or a snapped group.
Mark Coppock/Digital Trends

While the new feature sounds intriguing, most people should stay on the Stable or Beta channels since the Dev channel is much more likely to have unexpected glitches that make using a Chromebook difficult. The Stable channel is currently at Chrome OS 103, while the Dev channel is at 105.

As one of the easiest to use computers in the world, it doesn’t make sense to risk making a Chromebook unstable or unfriendly.

Alan Truly
Alan Truly is a Writer at Digital Trends, covering computers, laptops, hardware, software, and accessories that stand out as…
Google Chrome has its own version of Window’s troubled Recall feature
google chrome version of recall blog header

Google has announced a number of AI features for the Chrome web browser, one of which can search through your browsing history using plain language. It's a bit like a toned-down version of Microsoft's Recall feature, which did this on the level of the entire operating system.

The example given entails typing the following question into your search history: "What was that ice cream shop I looked at last week?" Chrome will then dig through and pull up sites relevant to your question. It'll then suggest a website as the "AI Best Match."

Read more
You’ll soon be able to control your Chromebook with just your face
Project Gameface being used to write an email.

Chromebooks have AI too. Google's recent comments on its AI advances arrived between Microsoft's big Copilot+ announcement and the forthcoming Apple AI news. In addition to outlining a few new AI features that are now available for Google's Chromebook Plus line of laptops, Google previewed a fascinating feature coming later that would let you control the entirety of your Chromebook with just your face.

Using computer vision and the webcam built into your Chromebook, you'll soon be able to talk to it, move your face, and make hand gestures to control your Chromebook. Google calls it Project Gameface, and it's being built right into ChromeOS. The feature was originally announced via a blog post on May 10, and is aimed at creating a "hands-free, AI-powered gaming mouse," but now it's being expanded and is officially coming to Chromebooks.

Read more
Do you need antivirus software on a Chromebook?
Chromebook on a table with a mouse and headphones

If you’re considering buying a Chromebook or have already made your purchase, you’re here because you want to know if you should invest in antivirus software for your new gadget. It's a common concern, especially considering how often these devices are used in education or corporate settings.

You’ll find varying opinions on whether or not you need an antivirus tool for a Chromebook. Some say that every computer should have such a tool no matter what, while others state that antivirus software is a waste of money when it comes to ChromeOS.

Read more