It’s been two years since the Android system on Chromebooks received a major update. While Android 9 Pie introduced a number of improvements, growing problems (such as scaling the app) continued to make the experience quite frustrating. Since then, Google has been working hard to fix its problems and rework the Android system with its ARCVM. The wait may finally be over, as a new version of Android 11 with ARCVM technology is slowly being released for Chrome OS Beta.
Our testers had a chance to try the updated version of Android 11 on an HP Chromebook x360c and an Acer Chromebook 712. There are no noticeable performance regressions or improvements with the new version of Android. Most of the differences are underlying, but there are some important user-oriented features that you should be aware of.
Dark theme
Dark mode has been a popular feature request among Android and Chrome OS users for a long time. While there are many usability benefits for a light subject, the dark mode helps to reduce eye strain when viewing a screen for extended periods at night. With Chrome OS 89, there is a new dark mode switch in developer settings that finally dims the lights for some Android apps.
Dark theme of Android 11 on Chrome OS.
We can immediately see the difference with a dark theme applied. Android apps are transformed with an elegant almost black background color that fits perfectly with the rest of the Chrome OS UI. The Android settings menu looks the most polished, boasting a dark title bar and a bright teal accent color. Notifications also use a dark theme, except for those with an associated quick action. Some apps, like the Google Play Store, still use a light theme, so there is still some work to be done.
Better application escalation
It is no secret that the scaling of Android apps is the Achilles heel of its implementation on Chrome OS. DPI scaling has been a controversial topic in the Chromebook community, especially after removing its settings on Chrome OS 67. Google tried to fix it with uniform scaling on Chrome OS 86 and 87, but this was removed due to a crippling bug . Now, Google is trying again with Android 11 – more successfully this time, it seems.
Uniform scaling is back on Android 11.
The story hasn’t changed since we last covered uniform scaling in Android apps in October last year. The overall layout, font and interface are all larger, making them more readable and less frustrating to use. You can also adjust the display scale in the developer options to your preference. We tested Squid and Concepts with the updated uniform scheduling application and haven’t encountered any problems so far.
Android 11 is undoubtedly an exciting update that finally solves some of your usability issues on Chrome OS. So far, it appears that only Chromebooks based on the ‘Hatch’ baseplate are receiving the new Android update, so it may take some time for it to arrive on your device. We will keep an eye out for changes in your development and update you when we hear more.
- Thanks:
- Hamzah Malik,
- Phene