Google’s Material Design movement continues to evolve across platforms and Chrome OS is no exception. If you’re not familiar with Material Design, it is a Google-created design language based on the characteristics of real paper and ink.
The project is way more in-depth that just a face lift for mobile apps and web products. The intention is to create a unified design platform that implements a specific set of guidelines for developers creating product for Google’s ecosystem.
These new elements were initially applied to Google’s line of Android apps but have gradually begun to extend to other platforms. We have seen additions of Material Design here and there in Chrome OS. Recent updates to the Developer channel have brought us even more shiny new looks for Google’s desktop OS.
Extensions
The Extensions list has received a new look that better reflects the heart of Material Design. Check out what you can look forward to in this image.
The new look and layout certainly have a more Googly feel. I especially like the new toggle switches to enable/disable the extensions.
Chrome Apps
Chrome Apps have taken on the same “cards” style look. The toggle switch is still a mystery on this one. I would presume it will uninstall the app but when I toggled it the switch seemed to have no effect. Work in progress I suppose.
Additional MD Features
Chrome History, Bookmarks and the Chrome OS Feedback screen have all received a UI refresh.
Some of these features may have found their way to Beta already. The majority of them require the enabling of experimental flags. One thing we’ve learned is that the minute tweaks of Chrome OS can find themselves swimming upstream to the Stable channel apart from major updates. Keep an eye out for changes as Google continues to improve and reinvent Chrome OS.