Google updates Chromebooks with new AI features

Google is rolling out artificial intelligence-powered features to Chromebooks with the latest ChromeOS M130 update. Laptops based on ChromeOS’s latest version now allow users to set different Focus modes, including the ability to put the 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 the Quick Settings, the new Focus option allows users to enable DND mode among other modes that the company says help increase productivity. “With Focus, you can effortlessly set and adjust 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

The new ChromeOS update replaces the 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 the recorded content. “Our app goes beyond recording, offering speech-to-text, content summarisation, and title suggestions, all powered by Google AI,” said the company.

New Appearance effects

Chromebooks with the new update will show new appearance effects during video calls and virtual meetings, including those made from third-party apps. However, Google said the 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.

Other features

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