With each ChromeOS update, users can anticipate a slew of fresh features and enhancements. Additionally, vigilant users exploring the Canary and Dev channels often uncover these updates before their official release. These preliminary versions offer valuable insights into Google’s plans for the platform. Now, let’s dive into some of the exciting features and changes coming in ChromeOS version 117.5933.
Material You-inspired Settings Menu Redesign
One of the most striking changes in this upcoming update involves overhauling the settings menu with a Material You-inspired design. Furthermore, Google aims to establish a consistent visual identity for its software across various platforms, and this redesign plays a significant role in achieving that goal. The new settings menu will introduce dynamic theming and incorporate elements of Material Design 3, giving it a modern and cohesive look.
Mouse Scrolling and Touchscreen Improvements
Within the settings, a ‘Mouse Scrolling’ section will become available, allowing users to fine-tune scroll speed, direction, and acceleration. Additionally, the ‘Tap and Drag to Move Items’ feature will empower touchscreen and trackpad users to easily rearrange items on the screen with a double-tap-and-hold gesture.
Enhanced Clipboard Functionality
An upgrade is in store for the clipboard functionality. Users will gain access to the Multipaste menu by holding down Ctrl+V. This revamped clipboard will sport a modern look that aligns with the broader visual enhancements in ChromeOS. Consequently, this enhancement will make the clipboard more user-friendly.
Google Tasks Integration
ChromeOS is set to seamlessly integrate Google Tasks directly into the operating system. A new widget will appear alongside the calendar in the system tray. As a result, this will make task management more convenient without the need to leave the desktop environment.
Interactive Feature Tour
A work-in-progress feature tour is under development. Its purpose is to guide users through ChromeOS’s various functionalities during their initial use. Users can enable this interactive guide through the ‘chrome://flags/#enable-welcome-tour’ flag.
Native Energy-saving Feature
Another exciting addition involves integrating a native energy-saving feature into ChromeOS. While it’s still under development, this feature aims to optimize power consumption and extend battery life by deactivating non-essential background functions. Consequently, this will lead to longer battery life and improved overall efficiency.
These updates are currently in various stages of development, and not all of them may make it into the stable ChromeOS 117 update. However, considering the recent transition of Chrome 116 to the stable channel, users can expect to see these new features and improvements in approximately a month’s time. Exciting times are ahead for ChromeOS users as Google continues to enhance its desktop operating system.
