Just a week after launching Chrome 88 on desktop and mobile platforms, Google is implementing Chrome OS 88 to the Stable channel, the first major update for 2021. Like the previous major milestone, the new software update improves Chrome OS with several new features and enhancements to enhance the user experience. Here are some things Google announced today that are eligible for devices.
Screen savers
After more than a year in development, Google is turning your Chromebook’s lock screen into a personalized smart screen. When enabled, the screensaver will play a slideshow that shows your favorite photo albums from Google Photos or hundreds of Chromecast wallpapers. The screen saver feature also provides a clock world, a label of what music is playing, and a media controller so you can pause or skip songs without unlocking your Chromebook.
Smoother virtual desktops
Virtual desktops are a powerful productivity tool that lets you organize multiple windows and desktops for better multitasking. In previous versions, the interaction between workspaces felt uncomfortable due to the tight animations used during the transition. Chrome OS 88 makes virtual desktops faster and more responsive, allowing you to quickly switch to another workspace with trackpad gestures or keyboard shortcuts.
New “Camera” folder in the Files application
The Chrome OS Camera app has been slowly improving over the last few versions and has implemented changes such as switching video recordings to a more recognizable file extension. In Chrome OS 88, the camera app will store photos and videos in a dedicated camera folder under My Files, making it easier to share them with friends and family.
Magnifier and ChromeVox enhancements
Google’s accessibility team worked hard to make Chrome OS more accessible to everyone. The screen magnifier function, for example, enlarges the content on the screen to improve readability. In the new update, you will be able to use your keyboard to control the magnifying glass by pressing Ctrl + Alt and the arrow keys.
The Text app has received a minor update to help people with visual impairments. If you’re in browser mode, ChromeVox announces the words written in the app.
WebAuthn uses fingerprint and PIN
Chrome can already enter your passwords automatically, but Chrome OS 88 gives you the option to require a PIN or fingerprint before doing so. Furthermore, you can use your Chromebook as a second authentication factor, so you no longer need to use your security key or phone to verify your identity for 2FA. To achieve this, Chrome OS uses the Web Authenticator (WebAuthn) API, which uses established protocols to make signing easier and more secure. Google says that your Chromebook PIN and fingerprint are “never shared with the sites that are requested from your Chromebook.” Universal 2nd Factor (U2F) will be supported in a future release.
Better auto-correct UI and touchpad gestures
AutoCorrection is a handy feature that helps you spend less time spelling testing and focusing on the creative aspects of writing. Chrome OS ‘hit-or-miss auto-correction feature gets a UI enhancement in version 88: there’s now a visual indicator that has applied auto-correction, plus handy ways to undo it.
Touchpad gestures have also seen improvements in this release cycle. Unlike before, the touchpad movements will behave more consistently when your browsing preference is back.
The features highlighted in Google’s official announcement only scratch the surface of what’s new in Chrome OS 88. I’m going to dive deep into even more experimental features, such as light theme and custom screenshot, in future articles. Chrome OS 88 may take a few days to reach your device, but overall, it’s an exciting version worth the wait.