Google has announced that it has started rolling out version M124 of ChromeOS on the Stable channel. The latest version of the operating system brings five new features to Samsung Galaxy Chromebooks: Faster Split Screen Setup, support for Wi-Fi QoS, increased maximum size of the mouse pointer, Fast Pair support for mice, and a redesigned settings menu. Let us take a deeper look at each of those features.
Faster Split Screen Setup
As you might know, ChromeOS allows you to use two applications simultaneously by arranging them side-by-side on the screen. With the new feature, once you snap or lock a window on one half of the display, the OS will show you an overview of all the open applications on the other half of the screen. You can then choose the app that you want to use on the other side. Alternatively, you can choose applications from the shelf to use on the other half of the display.
Support for Wi-Fi QoS
ChromeOS M124 brings support for Wi-Fi Quality of Service (QoS), which, according to Google, “ensures better traffic prioritization of video conferencing and gaming applications on congested Wi-Fi networks” and as a result “users can experience smoother video play with less buffering.” The company says that this feature will not be available for managed users initially.
Increased maximum size of mouse pointer
ChromeOS has been offering people the ability to adjust the size of the mouse pointer for quite a while now. Well, the latest version of the OS offers mouse pointers in even bigger sizes. According to Google, “This can be helpful for people who have low vision, for teachers who want students to follow along during a lesson while presenting, for people who are presenting on a video call, or if you just want to have a larger mouse cursor.”
Fast Pair support for mice
ChromeOS features Fast Pair for Bluetooth. However, it is available only for certain types of devices, and the mouse isn’t one of them. Well, that’s finally changing. Google says that Fast Pair will work with mice with ChromeOS M124. It means that now when you bring a compatible Bluetooth mouse near a Chromebook, ChromeOS will show you the option to connect and pair with it.
Redesigned settings menu
According to 9To5Google, version M124 of ChromeOS also brings a redesigned settings menu. The publication says that it now features a Material You theme and offers a split-screen view, which makes it look like a settings menu of Android on a tablet and offers a better user experience.
Google says that “This update and the features associated with it, will be progressively rolling out over the coming days” and that “Your device may not immediately be eligible for this update.” To check for the ChromeOS M124 update manually, go to Time » Settings » About ChromeOS » Check for updates.
