Google just dropped ChromeOS M126, and while it’s not a massive overhaul, it’s packed with tweaks that make Chromebooks more user-friendly, especially for those who need a little extra help with their screens.
First up, your Chromebook’s camera is getting smarter. A new Super Resolution feature lets you zoom in on objects even if your laptop doesn’t have fancy optical zoom hardware. Some “high-performance Chromebooks” (Google’s being coy about which ones) will even get AI-powered photo enhancements.
For users who need text read aloud, there’s a neat trick: the Magnifier tool now plays nice with Select to Speak. As words are read, the screen automatically zooms in, keeping you on track. You can even adjust the zoom level with a few keystrokes.
If blinking cursors bug you, good news: you can now adjust the blink rate. It’s a small change, but it could make a big difference for users with photosensitivity or cognitive differences.
Setting up a new Chromebook? The new Quick Start feature lets you tap your Android phone to instantly transfer Wi-Fi and Google Account info. No more password juggling.
Parents get some love too, with more granular controls over what their kids can access. And for everyone else, there’s new calendar integration and the option to disable swipe navigation.
The update is rolling out now, but Google’s being mysterious about which Chromebooks will get it first. We’ve asked for details, so stay tuned.
All in all, it’s a solid batch of quality-of-life improvements that should make ChromeOS a bit more accommodating for all kinds of users.
