Tech Desk
Sep 05, 2024
Google has started the rollout of ChromeOS 128, and with it is a set of new features that ramp up the Chromebook experience. This update brings enhancements in multitasking, camera functions, and accessibility to you.
Snap groups upgrade
Interestingly now, you can snap paired split-screen windows to manipulate many windows in a much better way.
Snapping them together, resizing both of them together, and moving them together are possible. There's a handle bar that appears in the middle that makes resizing very easy.
Camera OCR and app permissions
The ChromeOS Camera app now supports the use of OCR for 77 languages. That would make it very convenient to extract text from written, typed, and printed material.
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In addition, the Apps settings page contains reminders to make sure that both privacy controls and app permissions are enabled to allow camera and microphone functions to work correctly.
Auto gain control and audio quality
ChromeOS 128 enables by default Auto Gain Control (AGC), improving microphone volume to ensure the best audio, especially for video calls. Users can adjust settings to manage microphone volume manually.
Notification and accessibility updates
Pinned notifications now have a unique visual treatment that helps distinguish them from regular notifications.
ChromeVox, the screen reader, would also automatically follow the text being read out loud so users never lose their place.
Other updates and improvements
- Improved Access Point Name (APN) handling for cellular-enabled devices.
- Improved registration failure handling and more adequate messaging.
- Consolidating data storage for one-year retention of vitals to track progress for enhancements in the Android app.
