Google’s Chromebooks Turn 10, Here Are Some New Features

Google’s Chromebook has been with us for 10 years. It doesn’t seem that long ago when the Search giant revealed its ambitious plan to introduce a cloud computing platform that was fast, efficient and devoid of compatibility or driver issues. Today, Chromebooks are well established laptops favored by the education sector.

Now, the Search giant is introducing several features to commemorate the Chromebook’s 10th birthday. In addition to this, the company has also improved on existing ones, making them just that much more polished and useful to users.

Phone Hub
It’s a built-in control centre that brings the functions of your Android phone to your Chromebook. You can respond to texts received on your phone with your Chromebook, check your phone’s battery status and cellular signal as well as turn on hotspots or locate one. You can even open chrome browsers that were used on your Android phone.

Wifi-Sync
It allows your Chromebook to connect to trusted WiFi networks that were previously connected to your Android phone or other Chrome OS devices that were used with your Google account. There’s no need to sign into these networks again.

Nearby Share
In the coming months users will be able to share files between their Chromebook and other Chrome OS and Android devices. This function lets you send and receive files without sharing contact details.

Other Features
The new Screen Capture tool lets you take screenshots and recordings without keyboard shortcuts. Once you’ve taken a screen shot, it will show up in Tote, a new space that keeps your important files in one place. It gives you access to all your recent downloads, screen actress and pinned files.

Media controls are built directly into the quick setting menu. It allows you to control music that is playing on the web or an Android app. The controls can be placed on your shelf for easier access.

The new Clipboard, allows Chromebooks to save the last five items copied. This is to allow for easier pasting work without having to switch between windows. Just press Everything Button + V to get access to the Clipboard.

Quick Answers provides helpful information to words. Right clinking on a certain word will give users options to look p its definition, translation or unit conversion. Desks has also been enhanced, which allows it to restore windows to their previous desks once the system is rebooted. This to help you get to work quickly, every time.

You can also share files quicker than before. Just click “share” on a supported app or website, and you’ll see a list of apps you can share content with directly. Select-to-speak, a system that reads text aloud, has new controls that helps you speed up, slow down and pause voice readings as well as jump between different sections.

Improved Parental Settings
When parents setup a new Chromebook using their child’s personal account, they will be allowed to add a school account as well with access to school apps. Parents will still be in control of the machine though the use of Family Link.

Lastly, Chrome OS icons have been reworked to provide for a fresh look and make it easier to find essential apps that you use. Expect more from Google in the coming months as it continues to polish its Chromebook platform.