google chrome os management console license

That software is now becoming an official Google offering with Chrome OS Flex.īilled as a “free-to-download operating system” by Google, the original team directly integrated “the benefits of CloudReady into a new version of Chrome OS.” It offers the same user interface, Chrome browser, cross-device features/integrations with Android, cloud sync (for settings and bookmarks), and Google Assistant that’s found on Chromebooks today. CloudReady is now becoming “Chrome OS Flex” and is launching in early access today.ĬloudReady’s big pitch was how it extended the life of old PCs that were no longer getting official updates. Is Chrome OS Flex free for K-12 School Districts?Ĭhrome OS Flex is free for K-12 School Districts however a Chrome Enterprise for Education Upgrade license is required to manage Chrome OS Flex devices from the Google Admin Console.In December of 2020, Google acquired a Chromium-based operating system that turns old PCs into Chromebook-like devices. Chrome OS Flex devices can also be managed in VIZOR. School District IT administrators can manage Chrome OS Flex devices and regular Chromebook devices side by side in the Google Admin Console.

Can I install Chrome OS Flex on Chromebooks with an Expired AUE date?Ĭurrently Chrome OS Flex is intended for PC and MacBook hardware, it is not known if Chrome OS Flex will support Chromebooks where their AUE (Auto Update Expiry) date has expired. Most students won’t notice any significant difference if issued a Chrome OS Flex device, however it’s worth noting that PC and MacBook hardware doesn’t typically have a native search key which is found on Chromebook hardware. Chrome OS Flex follows the same release cadence as Chrome OS. How is Chrome OS Flex different from Chrome OS?Ĭhrome OS Flex delivers the same benefits and features as Chrome OS such as the Chrome browser, Google Assistant, Cloud based Management and the same user interface, so there’s no need to re-train students and staff when they’re issued a Chrome OS Flex device over a regular Chromebook.

Google chrome os management console license