ChromeOS gets better multitasking and Wi-Fi traffic prioritization

The latest version of ChromeOS (M124) is with some frosty improvements, including faster split-screen setup and recent internet traffic prioritization. The update also brings with it other updates such as a settings UI refresh and updated gesture controls.

Judging by the screenshots posted by 9to5Google, the recent “Faster Split Screen Setup” feature will be familiar to Windows users. When you snap an app to one side of the screen, previews of other apps appear on the other side – select one and it will pin you there. Before this update, you had to go to another app and repeat the pinning process side by side, so this should remove some of that friction.

9to5Google writes that options for this feature can be found under Settings > System Preferences > Windows & Desktops.

Google has also added Wi-Fi Quality of Service (QoS) to Chrome OS. The idea, like the QoS feature of routers, is that your Chromebook will prioritize things like video calling and online gaming when your Wi-Fi network is congested. If this works well, it could mean higher quality video calls, less buffering while streaming, and smoother online gaming.

In the “things no one asked for” category – ChromeOS now supports media locking — so wireless companies can sell you a Chromebook that you can only apply with their services. Theoretically, when you pay off your laptop or your contract expires, your carrier will unlock it, which I’m sure will always go off without a hitch.

Finally, this update introduces a redesigned ChromeOS settings app that is included in the Google Materials you design and is structured like a smartphone settings menu, According to Chrome without box. The site reports that a recent two-finger trackpad gesture for swiping notifications is also available, and that ChromeOS now supports enabling digital pan, tilt, and zoom capabilities even on Chromebook webcams that don’t support Super-Res zoom.

Like most updates, Google isn’t rolling out all versions of ChromeOS right away, but it says the M124 version will hit compatible Chromebooks “in the coming days.” To check for updates, look for the “Update Available” notification or go to Settings > About ChromeOS > Check for updates.