"Explore” helps you get the most out of Chromebook
Getting started with new technology can be tough, with pages of instructions and tutorials to pore over. “Explore,” a new app built into Chromebook, helps you get set up and take full advantage of your computer, whether you’re a Chrome OS newbie or already use a Chromebook every day.
A compass for new Chromebook users
Think of the Explore app as your compass for navigating your Chromebook. It’s an evolved form of Get Help, our previous in-product education app. Now, when you log in to a Chromebook for the first time and complete the initial onboarding, the Explore app orients you to learn about the most helpful Chrome OS features.
The Explore homepage gives you easy access to answers and visual tutorials to some of the most commonly-asked questions from new Chromebook owners, like how to best manage your files on Chromebook across local storage and Google Drive, or how to set up a printer with Chromebook.
You can venture through the Explore app at your own pace. Complete lessons and check back for new content when you’re looking for a specific answer or if you’re eager to make sure you’re maximizing your Chromebook.
Easy access to special offers
Explore also includes helpful features for Chromebook enthusiasts. It has a tab for quick access to some of the best Chromebook perks, so you can quickly redeem them. For example, right now in the U.S., you can use the Explore app to get free access to 100GB of storage and more through Google One for a year, free access to the popular game Stardew Valley, and free three months access to Disney+.
Some more highlights
In addition to the Explore app, here are a couple new features that make your Chromebook work even better.
Use the Overview key, which helps you zoom out and see all the windows that are open, to multitask across windows masterfully. Now, when in Overview, you can drag windows from your Chromebook’s screen to an external monitor and vice versa. You can also easily split your screen from Overview, which makes it easier to multitask—you can have two documents open at one time, or review an article while taking notes.
Words are wonderful, but sometimes emojis can capture even more emotion. We just added more emojis for you to use within Chrome OS, like a yawning face emoji (🥱), an ear with a hearing aid (🦻 ), and a sari (🥻). To use emojis on Chromebook, right click in any text field and navigate to “emoji.”
We’ll have more highlights to share about new Chromebook features soon. Stay tuned!
