ChromeOS 130: Recorder app rolls out to all Chromebooks and Android 15 introduces weather to home controls screensaver

ChromeOS and Android are both getting exciting updates that make user experience better and more functional. ChromeOS is introducing a new Recorder app, while Android 15 is enhancing its Home Controls screensaver with a weather feature. Let’s explore these updates in detail.

ChromeOS 130: The New Recorder App

ChromeOS 130, which is scheduled to launch later this month, will include a new Recorder app designed to improve audio recording and transcription features across all Chromebooks. Previously, some of these advanced features were limited to Chromebook Plus devices, but with the latest update, even standard Chromebooks will benefit from the new Recorder capabilities.

Key Features of the Recorder App:

1. Offline and Real-Time Speech-to-Text: One of the main highlights of this update is the offline, real-time transcription feature. After downloading a 100MB model, users can transcribe audio without needing an internet connection, a great advantage for those who work on the go or in areas with limited connectivity.
2. Dual-Column Layout: The app has a user-friendly interface, featuring a dual-column design inspired by the Pixel Recorder app. The layout is fully resizable and incorporates Google’s Material You design language, making it visually consistent with other Google apps.
3. Device Audio Recording: Chromebook users will now be able to record audio directly from their devices, offering flexibility for content creators, educators, and everyday users.
4. Searchable Transcripts and Export Options: Users can easily search through transcripts to find specific parts of their recordings. The playback speed can also be adjusted, making the app convenient for note-taking or reviewing important points. Additionally, audio and transcripts can be exported to other applications for further use.

Exclusive AI Features for Chromebook Plus:

For those using Chromebook Plus devices, the Recorder app comes with extra AI-powered features. The app will offer AI-generated summaries of the recordings, providing concise three-point summaries of long audio files. Users will also get title suggestions based on the content of the recording. However, this feature requires a larger 2GB model download.

Beyond the Recorder app, the ChromeOS 130 update for Chromebook Plus devices will introduce new tools for enhancing video calls, such as studio-style microphones and appearance effects that adjust lighting and brightness. Additionally, a new “Help me read” feature will be added to assist users in reading and understanding content more easily.

Android 15 Home Controls Screensaver Adds Weather Information

Meanwhile, Android 15 is making its Home Controls screensaver more functional by adding weather details. This update was introduced with Android 15 Beta 3 and is now rolling out to users as part of a server-side change, following a “Dreams” update for Pixel devices.

Home Controls Overview:

The Home Controls feature, accessible from the Quick Settings (QS) Tile or the lock screen, allows users to manage various smart home devices directly from their screensaver. It organizes smart devices into categories like Cameras, Climate, Lighting, and Wi-Fi, with quick access to favorite devices.

New Weather Information Display:

In addition to displaying the time in the upper-right corner of the screen, Android 15 now shows the current temperature and weather conditions. This feature is especially useful for users of the Pixel Tablet when it’s in Hub Mode with the Charging Speaker Dock. While primarily designed for tablets, this feature is also available on phones, although there are slight design differences. For instance, the weather icon on the Pixel Tablet appears flatter, while on the Pixel 9 Pro, it has a more detailed look.

This enhancement brings more convenience to Android 15 users, as they can now quickly check the weather without needing to unlock their devices or open an app.

Conclusion

Both ChromeOS and Android 15 are gearing up for updates that promise to enhance user productivity and convenience. The new Recorder app in ChromeOS 130 brings powerful transcription and recording features to all Chromebooks, with additional AI tools for Chromebook Plus users. On the Android front, the Home Controls screensaver now includes weather information, making it more useful for managing smart home devices and staying updated on current conditions.

These updates reflect Google’s ongoing commitment to improving user experience across their platforms, offering more practical and user-friendly tools for everyday use. Whether you’re a Chromebook user or an Android enthusiast, these changes are sure to enhance your daily workflow.

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