The ChromeOS 130 rollout brings big features and welcome changes

• The ChromeOS 130 update introduces new features such as Quick Paste and Focus Mode.

• New audio enhancements and AI elements are included in the update for a better user experience.

• Among other improvements, picture-in-picture windows can now be easily resized and moved.

ChromeOS may not be the most popular platform when it comes to computing devices, but it has its fair share of fans and huge support from its parent company, Google. More than a decade has passed since the OS was first released, and it has improved significantly over time with various updates, and more recently combined with better equipment to really demonstrate their abilities.

As ChromeOS 130 hits Chromebooks this week, Google has released details of the update, detailing what users can expect. The support page for the latest update was spotted the folks at 9to5Googleand offers a wealth of information about new features and changes.

What’s new in ChromeOS 130?

Google highlights 14 new features that can be found in the latest update. At the top of the list, Google is now promoting it Quick insert a feature that will allow users to easily insert symbols, emojis, links, calculations, etc. with the click of a button. While all current Chromebooks can access this with Launcher + f, Chromebooks with a dedicated hotkey will find this feature most useful.

Google shared that some Galaxy Chromebook Plus models have it right now, and there will be more models with this hardware button coming next year. In addition to the ones listed, a new one will appear Focus mode which will allow users to minimize distractions. While the regular space is applied with a dedicated space free from distractions thanks to DND mode, Focus will also allow you to play a curated music playlist to help users really get stuck in.

Tote will provide suggestions to users so that frequently accessed files, whether local or online, can be pinned for easy access. Google Drive will also start making similar offerings, providing easy access to important or frequently used files. Additionally, users will also see better Google Drive integration as files can now be accessed directly from the shelf.

Google will also introduce a new Welcome Summary a feature that will allow users to resume applications and work from a previous session during the startup process. Those who always use their Chromebook for recording sessions will be delighted to have a new audio enhancement built into the experience. The brand says this new feature will “make your Chromebook’s built-in microphone look like a professional studio microphone.”

While this sounds like a bit of an overkill, it does sound useful, with “wooden reverb effects” added to the standard noise canceling, as well as “advanced balance, fine detail reconstruction and room adaptation”. Of course, it won’t be a proper update in 2024 with some added AI elements. Additionally, Google is releasing a new AI-powered Recorder app that can “create transcriptions that can detect and tag speakers and provide a summary of recorded content.”

There will also be a new AI feature called Help me read in ChromeOSwhich will allow users to get the information they need at the click of a button. This feature will provide a summary of the text that is on the screen and there will even be a Q and A section if users need to ask more about the text. While this feature is useful, it won’t be available to all users and will only be available on Chromebook Plus devices.

And finally, picture-in-picture windows are now getting a minor update, allowing users to simply slide the window off the screen when it needs to be removed. Additionally, users will be able to easily resize the PiP window by double tapping and support for multiple calendars will now be available in case you need to keep track of events from multiple accounts.

Overall, a great update packed with a lot of features. Again, if you have a Chromebook, be sure to go into the settings menu to download this update. If you don’t know how and need guidance, we have the help you need our detailed instructions.