Select Outdated Chromebooks Get Linux Support
Linux has long been touted to help Google get one over its rivals. This is due to the fact if projects like Crostini turn out successful — which all indicators have been pointing to– then Chrome OS will be the only major platform to support a full-fledge Linux application.
Linux apps will run side by side with other Chrome and Android apps installed on your Chromebook and the days of requiring to set-up your device in a dual-boot configuration will be a thing of the past.
But, since some Chromebooks are sometimes shipped with limited hardware, not every device will get to enjoy Linux through Crostini even the once flagship Chromebook, the 2015 Chromebook Pixel was ruled out of the running to get Linux.
Google hasn’t officially listed this somewhat outdated variant of the Chromebook Pixel to (the device is actually nearing its end of life) receive Linux support which is a bummer considering the device sports top of line hardware like its 5th Generation Intel Core Processor.
With that being said, there is already an open-source project vying to breathe new life into the device called KernelNext. KernelNext’s main goal is to update outdated kernel versions on select older Chromebooks paving the way for the arrival of Linux.
The Chromebook Pixel isn’t the only candidate KernelNext is looking to refurbish as the project is or will update several devices from the “Old Guard.”
- Acer Chromebase 24 – Buddy
- Acer C670 Chromebook 11 – Paine
- Acer Chromebook 15 – Yuna
- Acer Chromebox CXI2 – Rikku
- ASUS Chromebox CN62 – Guado
- Dell Chromebook 13 7310 – Lulu
- Lenovo ThinkCenter Chromebox – Tidus
- Toshiba Chromebook 2 (2015 Edition) – Gandof
In a recent report, some users of 2015 Chromebooks including the Chromebook Pixel have reported seeing the “kernelnext” update on their devices. This means they can enable the experimental flag that activates Crostini.
It should be noted that there isn’t an added functionality that allows you to manually enable “kernelnext” on your Chromebook but you can, however, check to see if your device accessed the update or not.
Open the Settings on your Chromebook, click About Chrome OS, then click Detailed build information. From here, you should be to make out your device’s codename, and if the updated is accessed, the word “kernelnext.”
