ChromeOS Flex for Digital Signage

What is ChromeOS Flex?

ChromeOS Flex is an exciting new operating system for Macs, Linux devices, and PCs. ChromeOS Flex was designed to make older devices faster and more secure.

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Why is ChromeOS Flex important for digital signage customers?

Many customers have older devices, or even newer devices that aren’t compatible with certain digital signage softwares. ChromeOS Flex allows these customers to enroll devices in the Google admin console, and lock them down in kiosk mode. Kiosk mode makes digital signs tamper proof and secure. Flex also allows users to control updates, and enables digital signage software to work with the operating system seamlessly.

What devices are ChromeOS Flex compatible?

Google is constantly adding to the list of ChromeOS Flex certified devices. One example is the AOPEN Ace Mini, which we recently reviewed. View the full list of ChromeOS Flex certified devices HERE. This list will indicate whether a device is certified, if minor issues are expected, or if major issues are expected.

Flex works on most Windows, Mac, and Linux devices made over the last 10 years. For every certified model the following actions are guaranteed to work:

  • Audio input, at least one method
  • Audio output, at least one method
  • Internal display, if present
  • Video output
  • Installation
  • Network—Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or both, if present
  • Touchpad, if present
  • Keyboard
  • Sleep and resume
  • System UI and graphics
  • USB
  • Webcam, if present

These actions are not guaranteed to work:

  • Automatic screen rotation
  • Bluetooth
  • Keyboard shortcuts and function keys, such as brightness and volume
  • Touchscreens
  • SD card slots

What about devices that aren’t on the certified models list?

Flex might work with no issues on devices that aren’t already listed as certified models, but Google can’t guarantee that it will work properly between updates.

How do you install Flex?

Installing ChromeOS Flex is simple. First, you’ll need a USB drive to create a bootable version of Flex to try before installing. Next, install Flex to replace your current operating system. Finally, add Flex to other devices with a USB drive or through network deployment.

How is ChromeOS Flex different than ChromeOS?

  • Security
    • Verified boot and Google Security Chip: ChromeOS devices have a Google security chip built in. This security chip enables devices to use verified boot, a procedure which prevents devices from booting up if they are infected. Since Flex devices don’t have a Google Security Chip built in, verified boot is not available.
    • Firmware Updates: Flex devices do not automatically update BIOS or UEFI firmware as ChromesOS devices do.
  • Virtual Machines and Apps
    • Google Play and Android apps: Not supported on Flex.
    • Virtual Machines: Flex does not support running Windows virtual machines.
  • Performance
    • Some performance factors vary by model such as: Boot Speed, Battery Life, and Power Savings
  • Device Management
    • Zero-touch Enrollment: Not supported on Flex.
    • Forced re-enrollment: Not supported on Flex.
    • Simple Certificate Enrollment Protocol: Supported on Flex.

View the FULL LIST of differences.

Best Practices for Deployment

  • Enable Secure Boot
  • Clear and Enable TPM
  • Restrict bootable media and BIOS or UEFI access
  • Only use official Flex Images

View the FULL LIST of Best Practices.

 

Platform Compatibility Notes

platform compatibility with chrome os

Overview

A core goal of Arreya’s development team is to stay informed and constantly test the newest hardware and software that manufacturers have to offer. As a result of our extensive testing we found that Chrome OS devices provide the best experience. These devices offer easy device setup, deployment, and content delivery that works perfectly with Arreya.

Another benefit of Chrome OS devices with Chrome Enterprise Management is the ability to remotely manage the devices through the Google Admin console. To explain further, Chrome Enterprise Management simplifies the troubleshooting and deployment processes. Simply configure networks, reboot devices, fetch logs, take screenshots, and much more.

Arreya tries to remain platform agnostic while taking advantage of new browser features, and retaining backwards compatibility where possible. From user reports and previous testing, we have identified requirements and known issues for other common hardware choices. However this information is subject to change and cannot be guaranteed to work for every situation.

 

Android

  • Minimum version requirement: Android 7.1 (Nougat)
  • Android is an open source operating system and can be compiled with core features missing.
  • Low-end Android media players frequently are shipped with Android builds missing drivers, hardware acceleration issues and missing video codecs.

 

Samsung Smart TV (TIZEN OS)

  • Minimum Samsung OS version: Tizen 3.0. Came in 2017 models, older models may be able to be updated
  • Older versions of Tizen are missing core browser features 

 

General Smart TV/Mobile browser limitations (LG WebOS, etc.)

  • Limited memory and storage space could cause content failure and crashes
  • Concurrent video playback may be limited on any smart TV due to decoding hardware and software
  • Only fonts embedded in the TV will be used, other fonts may fail to display

 

Linux (RaspberryPi, Ubuntu, etc.)

  • Linux/Unix is a family of open source operating systems. Each version and build can be compiled with core features missing and frequently are missing required video decoders and codecs.
  • Additional package installation, configuration, and testing is required in every scenario.

 

Typical browser compatibility issues

Below is a list of browser features commonly missing from older, incompatible browsers. Arreya uses these features and requires them in order to properly run. 

 

 

Contact us to learn more about platform compatibility for digital signage software at 319-294-6671 or info@arreya.com.

Adding Images to your Arreya Presentation

  1. Login to your Arreya Channel Dashboard at [yourchannel].arreya.com/login
  2. If you have not already, upload your Image file to the Media Library. Instructions for how to upload images to the media library can be found here.
  3. Using the top navigation bar at the dashboard, go to [Content] -> [Presentations]. From here, select the presentation you would like to add your image to using the green edit icon.
  4. In your Presentation, click on 
  5. In your “Choose Media” screen, select the Image file you want to add. 
  6. Move the picture to where you are wanting it to appear in your presentation
  7. Modify the picture however you are wanting using the controls on the bottom of the Editor