Google Chrome OS v19 dev release got a New look and New functionalities [Screenshots]

Looking at Chrome OS now will show you a browser and not much else. The latest release of the platform, which just started seeding to developers, is looking to change that, though. There is a taskbar, called shelf, and an app launcher, reminiscent of Apple Launchpad.

It all runs on the hardware-accelerated Aura window manager. It brings a refresh to the OS visuals and transitions. This shows a step away from simplicity and into usability, and should bring Chrome OS much closer to its rivals Windows 7/8 and OS X.

The developer version of Chrome OS (build 19.0.1048.17) also brings support for new file types tar, gz, and bzip2, better support for multiple monitor setups and updates to the music and video players.