The addition of Virtual Desks to the Chrome OS workspace has brought an entirely new level of functionality and productivity to the ecosystem. Users can keep their individual desks organized and curated and that can result in a massive boost to streamlining workflow. Building on this productive feature, Chrome will soon give users the ability [โฆ]
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Google is prepping a feature that will clean up your Messages inbox
Part of life on the internet in 2020 is the use of OTPs, also known as one time passwords. The feature is a standard protocol for 2-factor authentications and is honestly my go-to method for double-securing my logins. In case you arenโt familiar, the process is pretty simple. On accounts you choose to lock down [โฆ]
Continue ReadingThe Chromebook Files app is finally getting a proper trash can
When I came upon this commit last night, it took me a second to get my head around the fact that a proper trash feature has never existed for the Chrome OS files app. Sure, Google Drive has a trash bin and it works just like any other trash collector has worked on any other [โฆ]
Continue ReadingAn early look at the upcoming diagnostic app for Chromebooks
In late August, we discovered a new project that will soon bring a diagnostic app to Chrome OS. Presumably, this new system application would give users a quick look at basic system information such as CPU and RAM usage. According to the initial commits, the Diagnostic app would also allow users to perform diagnostic tests [โฆ]
Continue ReadingHow to customize your Chromebookโs cursor for accessibility and style
If you look at Mac or Windows, youโll notice that they have a white cursor for pointing. Chrome OS is the only operating system that uses a black cursor in an effort to increase its visibility. The high contrast of the black makes it easy to see on most backgrounds, especially as 90% of the [โฆ]
Continue ReadingG Suite File Stream now allows personal Gmail accounts to sync Drive with their PC or Mac
For regular users, Googleโs Backup and Sync tool allows them to download their entire Google Drive or select files and folders to their Mac or PCโs local storage. You can think of this just like you would something like Dropbox where it creates a local folder on the userโs hard drive. Any changes made to [โฆ]
Continue ReadingGoogle Docs rolls out built-in citation and bibliography tool for all users
Over the years, Google Docs has become a formidable alternative to Microsoft Word for the average user, but the one thing itโs lacked for no good reason is a native citations and bibliographies formatting tool. Adding these to documents can be time consuming. I usually recommend people use a Docs add-ons to fill the gap [โฆ]
Continue ReadingWith new features like these, YouTube Music is slowly winning me over
Itโs not exactly a secret that Iโve been less than pleased with the forced move to YouTube Music from Google Play Music. Itโs not just one thing, but a series of aggravations that have bristled me against the move and Iโve not shied away from making my feelings pretty clear about it. I donโt hate [โฆ]
Continue ReadingGoogle is working on improved scaling for Android apps on Chromebooks, but it needs work
Since adding Android apps to Chromebooks a few years back, Google has come a long way with making things more cohesive across both platforms. When it all first launched, Android apps on Chromebooks were a huge mess with broken apps, small-screen interfaces, and a bunch of busted UI issues. While there are still problems here [โฆ]
Continue ReadingGoogle Maps update adds data layer for COVID-19 cases near you
Google recently introduced a new data layer in Maps which will inform you of COVID-19 cases and trends in your area. They have long since been a source that people turn to for reliable information regarding natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis and their mission statement includes organizing data and making it accessible to everyone, [โฆ]
Continue ReadingGoogle is developing an on-device grammar check tool for Chromebooks
For nearly every user out there, proper grammar isnโt exactly #1 on the priority list. We all want to write and speak in a way that makes us sound educated-enough, but going through the effort to constantly make sure our sentence structure, spelling, and punctuation all line up perfectly isnโt exactly the most important thing [โฆ]
Continue ReadingChrome OS is getting some new and refreshed iconography
A curios Reddit user discovered a few tasty morsels in the latest version of the Chrome OS Canary channel. At first glance, it looks like a simple refresh of a handful of Chromebook icons. Upon further inspection, we discovered some new iconography that is prepping Chrome OS for some exciting new features that we have [โฆ]
Continue ReadingThis new feature makes Chromebook Virtual Desks so much more efficient
Virtual Desks on Chrome OS have become a staple feature since they were basically finalized in March earlier this year. Like many users, I take advantage of the productivity boost I get from them on a daily basis as they allow for a wide variety of open windows and apps to be strategically placed for [โฆ]
Continue ReadingGoogle Meet is finally adding attendance taking for G Suite but thereโs a catch
Video conferencing has become an everyday event for millions of employees and students alike and for that reason, chat platforms have been forced to evolve to meet the ever-growing need of these users. Blurred backgrounds, noise cancellation, grid view and more have all made appearances on various platforms like Zoom and Google Meet. One particular [โฆ]
Continue ReadingChrome OS โHolding Spaceโ features now working in Canary
Just a couple of weeks ago, the new โHolding Spaceโ feature for Chromebooks appeared in the Canary channel of Chrome OS. At that time, the new quick-access feature for downloads and screenshots was little more than a place holder. Recently saved files and screen grabs did show up in the space but interacting with the [โฆ]
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