Google rolls out new AI-powered features for ChromeOS

Chromebook

Google’s ChromeOS is receiving a new batch of features. The latest version — ChromeOS M130 — will come with features like Quick Insert, tweaks to the Focus mode and more. Here are some of the key features coming with latest ChromeOS version:

The Focus mode on ChromeOS has been designed to help users minimise distractions and create a more productive workspace. “With Focus, you can effortlessly set and adjust your focus time, enable or disable Do-not-Disturb (DND) mode, select or create new Google Tasks, and immerse yourself in curated playlists that help you focus better with focus sound or YouTube Music Premium (subscription-based),” said Google in a blog post. To use Focus, go to Quick Settings > Focus.

ChromeOS 130 brings the new Google AI-powered Recorder app to create transcriptions that can detect and label speakers, and provide a summary of recorded content. “Our app goes beyond recording, offering speech-to-text, content summarisation, and title suggestions, all powered by Google AI,” said Google.

With ChromeOS 130, Google is integrating appearance effects to make video calls, virtual meetings more fun. However, this feature will be available for ChromeBook Plus devices only.

Google is making it easier to insert emojis, symbols, GIFs, Google Drive links, and quick calculations and unit conversions with a keyboard key (on select models) or a keyboard shortcut. In ChromeOS 130, a new shortcut Launcher + f is available on all ChromeOS devices, said Google.

With the new software update, Chromebook users can now easily adjust display brightness and control the ambient light sensor directly from the Settings app. “This new feature lets you set your screen brightness to the perfect level and turn the ambient light sensor on or off as needed in Settings,” said Google. These updates make it simpler to use your device and help manage battery life.

Help me read on ChromeOS is an an AI-powered solution to help you quickly find the information you need in any text. Users can easily get to the heart of what they’re reading in the browser and in Gallery by right-clicking on an empty space to reveal the Help me read card above the existing contextual menu. The Help me read panel showcases a summary of the text and a freeform Q&A field where you can ask specific questions about the text. This features is available for Chromebook Plus devices only.