Chrome OS Gets Updated With Smaller Apps List

Chromebook and Chromebox users (and anyone else using Chrome OS) have an update waiting for them that offers several usability improvements. Before you go check for the update, however, take note of what's changed: most notably, the updated OS features a smaller apps list that pops up from the taskbar. Whereas the old apps list introduced in the Aura update reminded us of OS X's Launchpad, the update turns the apps list into a Stacks-like window.

At the top of that new window is an omnibar search field, so you can search without popping open the browser. Searches inputted into the field will not only open webpages and perform Google searches, but they'll also search for apps on your machine. Unfortunately, it sounds like it will not be able to find files on your Chromebook. Other than the UI change, the new version of Chrome OS now allows you to save files directly to Google Drive — the search company first introduced integration with the cloud storage service back in July, but now you can skip the middle man and save straight to the cloud.