A new experimental flag to make Lacros the primary browser on a Chromebook was unveiled this week. Chrome Story reports that the flag is not yet available, but should be soon, at least in the Canary Channel. Before searching for the flag to activate it as soon as it arrives, go to Lacros vs Chrome and Chrome OS on Chromebooks.
What is Lacros?
If you have not heard of it, Lacros is a standalone browser used on Chrome OS and therefore on Chromebooks.
This may sound strange because Chrome is the default way to browse these devices on the internet. But it makes more sense if you realize that LaCrOS is essentially the Linux version of Chrome.
This means that it provides the same experience as running Chrome on a Linux desktop or laptop. And that means Google can deliver on its promise to disconnect the ChromeOS Chrome browser. At some point, Lacros will be the default or primary browser on Chromebooks.
Google’s own documents on Lacros spell it out:
Lacros is an architecture project to disconnect the Chrome browser from the Chrome OS window manager and system UI. The name comes from Linux And ChRome OX.
It is likely that you will not even notice it during most of the activities except that you set different settings on your device. Once Lacros is publicly available, you will set browser-specific settings in the browser and Chrome OS settings in the current Settings app. There’s even a link in the Lacros settings to the Chrome OS settings to remind you of this.
Why is Google doing this?
Simply put, by disconnecting the browser from Chrome OS, Google gains some logistical benefits.
As is currently the case with Chrome OS, any Chrome browser updates for new features, bug fixes, or security reasons must be integrated into a Chrome OS version. It adds complexity, as Chrome OS itself changes every six weeks or so. Some of the browser bits may affect the Chrome operating system or block future features. This model is therefore not effective.
Once the browser is disconnected from the operating system, efficiency is achieved. Google can only send Chromebooks updates to the browser at any one time, just like for Chrome on Windows, macOS and Linux.
In addition, Chromebooks will once again allow different versions of Chrome OS and the browser to run according to the official documentation.
It could may extend the life of some older Chromebooks that are no longer than their expiration date for Chrome OS support. Although the operating system would not receive updates, the browser can. And it will support safer browsing on such devices. I personally do not think this is Google’s long-term strategy, but I could be wrong. My thought is that the Neverware purchase has a greater chance of delivering more updates on older devices.
Can I try Lacros now?
In short, yes.
However, the Lacros browser is not enabled by default and is unlikely to be for some time. I say that when I looked at the commission of the new Lacros primary browser flag, I noticed that there was specifically no target area date for Lacros.
Indeed, the current flag of not using Lacros at all will expire before Chrome OS 98, which is at least 6 to 9 months away.
However, you can try the browser now. Simply switch to chrome: // flags / # lacros-support to enable it. Once your browser restarts, you will see a second browser icon.
Lacros is yellow, while your default Chrome icon is multicolored. You can run instances of both at the same time, as these are completely separate applications. You can also sign in with your Google Account and have your browser settings switched.
Will there be a real difference between Chrome and Lacros on Chrome OS?
As I mentioned, most people will not really experience a difference if Lacros is the only browser on Chrome OS apart from the settings. All Chrome features on a Chromebook must be the same at the same time. However, this is also the reason why Lacros is not yet the default browser on Chromebooks.
There are many APIs and brackets between the Chrome browser and the Chrome OS system. Google is rebuilding it in Lacros, and even changing some of the rendering methods. It takes time to make and test all the changes. And this is particularly challenging, as Chrome OS itself is a moving target with new stable releases every six weeks.
Ultimately, however, end users will not be radically affected. Lacros will probably be called ‘Chrome’ instead of the project code name. The browser icon will look just like the current Chrome browser once the transition is over, and we’re going back from two original browsers to one.
Of course, you can still download other browsers using the Linux container on a supported Chromebook. It will not change. You can install Brave, Firefox or whatever you want on the internet, as long as it has Linux support. Just remember that any alternative browser will not be your default or native browser on a Chromebook.