Google is currently testing variable refresh rate (VRR) compatibility in the Chrome OS 101 Dev Channel. VRR helps reduce screen tearing by synchronising a display’s refresh rate with the frames-per-second (FPS) rate of whatever is displayed on the screen. Google’s testing of the functionality may signal a smoother gaming experience on Chrome OS, which makes sense given Google’s recent announcement of Steam’s “imminent” arrival on Chrome OS. Rumors about the introduction of three prospective gaming-focused Chromebooks have also circulated, a likelihood that has been strengthened by the addition of an RGB keyboard flag to Chrome OS.
On the other side, VRR support might mean that future Chrome OS tablets will have a faster refresh rate. Chrome OS tablets will require VRR to compete with the likes of Samsung and Apple – the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 range features a 120Hz refresh rate, while the iPad Pro features ProMotion compatibility (which is just another name for VRR), which smooths scrolling animations.
