ChromeOS 128 Update: Snap groups, camera OCR, enhanced audio, and more
Top 3 Key Points:
- Snap Groups: Easier window management with new group controls.
- Camera OCR: Extract text from images in 77 languages.
- Audio Enhancements: Auto Gain Control for improved microphone volume in calls.
Google has started rolling out ChromeOS 128, bringing significant updates to Chromebooks. This version includes several new features that enhance productivity, improve audio quality, and add useful tools for daily tasks.
Improved Window Management with Snap Groups
The update introduces Snap Groups for better multitasking. Now, when you split two windows on your screen, they are grouped. You can resize both windows at the same time, move them as a pair, and quickly adjust their size with a new, more noticeable handle between them.
Enhanced Audio Controls with Auto Gain
For users on video calls, Auto Gain Control (AGC) is now enabled by default. This feature automatically adjusts the microphone volume to improve audio clarity. A notification will appear in the settings to let you know when AGC is active. If you prefer manual control, you can turn this feature off in the Audio settings.
Camera App Now Supports OCR
The ChromeOS Camera app has been upgraded with Optical Character Recognition (OCR), which allows you to extract text from images. This feature supports 77 languages and works both horizontally and vertically. To enable it, go to Settings > Text Detection in Preview.
Other Key Updates
- Privacy Reminders: ChromeOS will now remind users to enable camera and microphone permissions when necessary through actionable alerts in the settings.
- Improved Notifications: Pinned notifications now look different from regular ones, making it easier to identify ongoing processes like downloads or system updates.
- Cellular Devices: Managing mobile network settings has become easier with improved Access Point Name (APN) options and better handling of registration errors.
- Accessibility: The ChromeVox screen reader now works with the magnifier tool, making it easier to follow along with text as it’s read aloud.
- Performance Tracking: ChromeOS now stores vital data on Android app performance for up to one year, helping Google improve the experience over time.
These updates are part of Google’s efforts to make ChromeOS more user-friendly and efficient, with a focus on both productivity and user experience improvements.
Key Points:
- Google Calendar is coming to the New Tab Page in Chrome for Workspace users.
- Circle to Search is expanding to more Android devices, including Xiaomi 14T.
- Chrome is getting other new features for enterprise users.
Google Calendar on Chrome’s New Tab Page:
Google Workspace users will soon see their Google Calendar on the New Tab Page in Chrome. This will make it easier to see upcoming meetings and join them quickly. You’ll also see your daily schedule below the calendar.
Circle to Search Expanding to More Devices:
Circle to Search, a feature that lets you search by drawing circles around objects in your photos, is expanding to more Android devices. This feature was previously limited to Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices, but now it’s coming to Tecno and Xiaomi devices.
Other Chrome Updates:
Chrome is also getting other new features for enterprise users, such as a new sign-in flow that provides more transparency and a feature that lets admins set site shortcuts.
These updates are all designed to make it easier for businesses to use Chrome and Google Workspace.
YouTube is making content creation easier and more fun with new AI features.
- AI-powered video backgrounds: Create stunning visuals for your Shorts videos with Google’s Veo AI model.
- AI-powered video ideas: Get inspiration for your next video with YouTube Studio’s AI-powered brainstorming tool.
- AI-powered comments: Quickly respond to your viewers with AI-suggested replies.
YouTube is adding more AI features to help creators make better videos. One of the biggest announcements is the integration of Veo, a powerful AI model, into YouTube Shorts. This means you can create high-quality backgrounds and even short video clips using just a few words.
Imagine being able to describe a scene, like “a bustling city street at sunset,” and having Veo instantly generate a visually stunning background for your Short. Or, perhaps you need a quick clip to transition between two scenes; Veo can create a short video that perfectly fits your needs.
Another exciting feature is the new AI-powered brainstorming tool in YouTube Studio. This tool can suggest video ideas based on your channel’s history and what’s popular on YouTube. It’s like having a creative assistant that always has fresh ideas.
For example, if you’ve been creating cooking videos, the tool might suggest ideas like “Vegan cooking hacks” or “Quick and easy weeknight meals.” Or, if you’re a gaming channel, it could suggest ideas like “Top 5 new games to try” or “Let’s play a classic game.”
YouTube is also working on AI-powered comments. This feature will suggest replies to comments, making it easier for creators to engage with their audience.
For example, if a viewer leaves a comment saying “Great video!” the AI might suggest a reply like “Thanks for watching!” Or, if a viewer asks a question, the AI could suggest a helpful answer based on the video’s content.
These new AI features are making YouTube an even more powerful platform for creators. By automating tasks like background creation and idea generation, creators can spend more time focusing on what they do best: creating great content.
Key points:
- Android 15 QPR1 Beta introduces a new navigation bar key for quick keyboard switching.
- This allows for faster switching between multiple keyboard apps and languages.
- The feature is currently being tested and is expected to become standard on Google Pixel devices in December.
Android users will soon experience a significant improvement in keyboard switching. A new feature being tested in Android 15 QPR1 Beta introduces a dedicated key on the navigation bar that allows for rapid switching between different keyboard apps and languages.
Imagine having the ability to seamlessly switch between multiple keyboards without navigating through settings or menus. This new key, visually represented as a globe, provides a direct and intuitive way to change keyboards on the fly. Whether you need to switch between different languages or prefer different keyboard apps for specific tasks, this feature offers a convenient solution.
For example, if you have multiple languages enabled and use both Gboard and SwiftKey, you can quickly toggle between them by pressing the new key. This eliminates the need for extra steps and ensures a smooth typing experience.
While this feature is currently in beta testing, it’s expected to become a standard part of Android 15 QPR1, which is scheduled to be released on Google Pixel devices in December. This means that many Android users will soon be able to enjoy the benefits of faster and more efficient keyboard switching.
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