The Chrome OS Beta channel has been updated to R12 release 0.12.433.38 including Chrome 12 Beta, new trackpad, new flash player and several stability and functional improvements over the previous release.

This release contains the following security fixes:

  • Disallow root escalation by creating /var/lib/chromeos-aliases.conf and inserting commands. [Credit to Chrome OS Team (Sean Paul)]

  • Disallow modification of about:flags in Guest mode [Credit to Chrome OS Security Team (Jim Hebert)]

  • Multiple package updates (openssl, dbugs, pango, sudo, strongswan, acl, libxml2, dhcpd) [Credit to Chrome OS Security Team]


In addition to all Chrome 12 new features (see Chrome 12 blogpost), there are several Chrome OS great improvements including:
  • File browser
  • Shiny new look
  • Improvements to GSM support
  • Verizon activation improvements
  • New Flash player
  • Feedback link is now under the wrench menu ("Report an issue")
  • 3G connection to the carrier fixes
  • Wi-Fi connectivity/Out of the Box fixes
  • New trackpad and sensitivity setting adjusted
  • Auto update engine and debugging improvements
  • Power optimizations
  • GTalk video/chat optimizations
  • Improved on screen indicators: brightness, network status, update icon

Known issues:
  • [Bug 15211] Angry Birds displays black screen in SD and HD version during intro video
  • [Bug 14592] 3g Activation does not complete first try but succeeds on second after a workaround
  • [Bug 13269] Chat window refuses to open, even if contacts list will
  • [Bug 12671] Encountered the recovery screen upon resuming from suspend (hard reboot helps)
  • [Bug 15085] "He's Dead Jim" message while playing specific video in 720p

You can find a full list of fixes in ChromeOS R12 in the chromium-os bug tracker. If you find new issues, please let us know by visiting our help site or filing a bug.

Orit Mazor
Google Chrome