Google updates Chromebooks with new AI features

Google is rolling out artificial intelligence-powered features to Chromebooks with latest ChromeOS M130 update. Laptops based on ChromeOS’s latest version now allow users to set different Focus modes, including ability to put device on Do Not Disturb mode, bring a new AI Recorder app, introduce a new Quick Insert tool, and revamp appearance effects.

New Focus modes in ChromeOS

With ChromeOS M130, Chromebooks can now be put on different modes to reduce distractions while working. Available in Quick Settings, new Focus option allows users to enable DND mode among or modes that company says help increase productivity. “With Focus, you can effortlessly set and just your focus time, enable or disable Do-not-Disturb (DND) mode, select or create new Google Tasks, and immerse yourself in curated playlists that help you focus better with focus sound or YouTube Music Premium (subscription-based),” said Google in a blog post.

New AI-powered Recorder app

new ChromeOS update replaces old Recorder app with a new one, entirely powered by AI features. It can offer transcriptions with labels for speakers and deliver a summary of recorded content. “Our app goes beyond recording, offering speech-to-text, content summarisation, and title suggestions, all powered by Google AI,” said company.

New Appearance effects

Chromebooks with new update will show new appearance effects during video calls and virtual meetings, including those me from third-party apps. However, Google said new effects will be available only on Chromebook Plus devices.

Quick Insert

With ChromeOS M130, Google is making it easier for users to insert emojis, symbols, GIFs, Google Drive links, calculations, and unit conversions with a keyboard shortcut, Launcher + f, on all Chromebooks.

Or features

Google has also ded enhanced brightness controls with automatic justments, and a manual tool to just ambient light directly from Settings app. “This new feature lets you set your screen brightness to perfect level and turn ambient light sensor on or off as needed in Settings,” said Google. company is also ding a new AI-powered reing feature, which essentially scans content on screen in both a web browser and Gallery app to offer summaries of text. It also prompts users to engage in a Q&A session where y can ask specific questions. Like new appearance effects, new AI reing feature will be exclusive to Chromebook Plus devices.