The Chrome OS developer channel has been updated to add Google Drive integration, which means that users of Google’s fledgling Chromebook line will likely soon see the search giant’s cloud storage solution popping up in the next wide-release OS update. The addition of Drive, revealed earlier this week, is expected to address one of the major obstacles to file management on the line of web-only netbooks.
Released to developers today, the update also fixes an issue where video playback lacked audio if multiple tabs were open. It further contains security and stability improvements. Developer channel updates are typically a way for software providers to work out known issues and discover and address new issues before widely releasing a piece of software.
Google’s Chromebook lineup, developed in partnership with with third-party manufacturers, was intended to provide a low-cost line of netbooks tightly integrated with Google’s productivity suite. Since its introduction, though, the Chromebook line has struggled to attract buyers, leading Google to make changes to the OS and to slash prices late last year. The improved file management system, in addition to an apparent VAIO-branded Chromebook from Sony, could have some positive effect on Chrome OS adoption, but the search giant still has a long way to go in the notebook sector.
