What you should know
- Google highlighted the rollout of its ChromeOS M131 replace for Chromebooks, which features a “Security Reset” for customers.
- One other main inclusion is Flash notifications: a operate that can flash a person’s display screen to make sure they do not miss essential alerts.
- Google pushed M130 for Chromebooks and Chromebook Plus fashions in November with a number of AI options and OS-level safety instruments.
Google is returning with one other replace for its Chromebooks with just a few new options to shore up its main November patch.
A Chromebook neighborhood put up highlighted the replace titled ChromeOS M131, which ought to begin hitting gadgets at the moment (Dec 16). Whereas this replace is lighter than the M130, Google is detailing a characteristic for Chromebooks known as ChromeOS Again to Security. Because the title implies, the set of instruments is meant to provide customers a transparent take a look at the state of their laptop computer’s safety and methods to enhance their on-line/machine security.
The first operate of this characteristic is “Security Reset.” Google’s on-device description states Security Reset will “assist take away undesirable pop-ups, repair community points, and deal with different surprising points.” Particularly, this safety-focused refresh can reset your Chrome shortcuts, delete cookies, and non permanent web site information.
Google provides that Again to Security will inform customers of extensions they need to disable and reset settings that might pose a menace to their machine. Furthermore, Security Reset won’t contact your bookmarks, historical past, or saved passwords.
ChromeOS M131 can also be including a software to assist deliver extra consciousness to your alerts by way of Flash notifications. Added into the Audio and Captions web page of the Accessibility settings in your Chromebook, Google states Flash notifications will flicker or “flash the display screen whenever you obtain notifications.” The corporate states this characteristic may very well be helpful for many who make the most of display screen magnification or for the arduous of listening to.
Furthermore, it appears these Flash notifications might be coloured. The settings possibility for it signifies a “flash display screen colour” with a drop down menu. Google did not ship specifics; nonetheless, we will see {that a} person’s display screen might rapidly flash yellow to seize your consideration.
Google additionally states that light-sensitive customers ought to take warning ought to they allow this characteristic.
The ultimate portion of M131 features a restyling replace for ChromeOS’ AI-powered Fast Solutions. Google reiterates that these responses present the person with helpful info by way of summaries, interactive outlines, and doc Q&A. A separate help doc states Fast Solutions is accessible when right-clicking and might present instruments comparable to spell test, definitions, translations, and unit conversions.
ChromeOS M131 is rolling out at the moment (Dec 16), so customers ought to preserve their eyes open as we undergo the week.
This mild M131 replace provides a little bit extra to what Chromebook and Chromebook Plus customers skilled with the large M130 patch. Chromebook Plus gadgets gained a number of AI options like “Assist me learn,” which help customers by attending to the core of an article or prolonged passage of textual content with out them needing to learn by means of it. The characteristic additionally features a freeform Q&A operate for follow-up questions.
Moreover, all Chromebook gadgets picked up OS-level privateness options in Chrome.
