Launcher, the Chrome OS version of the Windows Start Menu, is where you have access to applications, web applications, recent programs, and the search function. In recent versions of Chrome OS, the startup application would extend across the entire screen horizontally, taking up valuable space even when not in full screen mode. With Update 100, the launcher opens as a solid overlay on the left side of the screen instead of the bottom. As a result, browser windows or open applications are not covered every time you want to search or find a new application. From the clips sent to us by Google, the new Launcher looks in many ways like the Windows 11 Start Menu as it is a small, floating translucent rectangle. The changes are not just deep in the skin. Finding and organizing applications will be easier now that you can arrange the applications by name and color along with the option to register them manually. The applications you recently received will follow your organization’s method instead of sticking to the bottom as it is now. The search feature has also been improved, which shows a more detailed preview of your search term, so you can get relevant information without leaving the launcher. I could see that this is useful when you want to quickly check the current temperature, stock prices or define a word. Google says you can use search previews to display Chrome OS shortcuts, such as a combination of screen capture buttons (ctrl + shift + window display) or enable caps lock (alt + search). You can even use search to scan Chrome tabs instead of flipping through them just to realize that what you’re looking for is in a different window. Google did not provide an exact release date for the new launch, it just promised to “soon”. Participates in some upcoming Chrome OS add-ons, including the ability to edit text using your voice through the dictation and GIF sharing and sharing feature from the default camera app.
