Google gives laptop users a compelling new reason to ditch Windows
Is it time you took ChromeOS for a spin?
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
If you’ve been looking for a new lightweightlaptop,Googlehas just given you a new reason to consider choosing aChromebook.
When you want to share something (a link, for example) in Chrome for Android, you simply open the main menu, tap ‘Share’ and take your pick from all the messaging and social apps installed on your phone or tablet. It’s a super handy feature that’s sadly lacking on the desktop – but not for long.
Writers at9to5Googlehave discovered a new flag (a switch for activating an experimental feature) in Chrome that will enable something called a Sharesheet: a list of apps installed on your device that will appear in a ‘Share’ menu.
This feature will be a real boon, allowing you to send links without the hassle of copying and pasting – but only if you’re using ChromeOS.
Sharing is caring
ChromeOS allows you to install both Android apps and PWA (progressive web apps), so it makes sense for it to bring the Sharesheet function to Chromebooks, but very unlikely it’ll be arriving for Windows, macOS or Linux.
We don’t yet know where it will appear in the browser interface. 9to5Google suggests it may be in the top right, but this is subject to change.
Alternatively, it might not appear at all – not every Flag in Chrome is developed into a fully-fledged feature – but it’s a promising sign that one of the mobile browser’s best features will soon land on the desktop too.
Get the best Black Friday deals direct to your inbox, plus news, reviews, and more.
Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable Black Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content.
Cat is TechRadar’s Homes Editor specializing in kitchen appliances and smart home technology. She’s been a tech journalist for 15 years, and is here to help you choose the right devices for your home and do more with them. When not working she’s a keen home baker, and makes a pretty mean macaron.
Major ChromeOS update brings tons of new features – and shows it’s closer than ever to matching Windows and macOS
Your Chromebook might soon get one of the Google Pixel 9’s best features
NYT Strands today — hints, answers and spangram for Sunday, November 10 (game #252)
