The preview of ChromeOS 134 hints at enhancements in accessibility features and improvements in quick insertion.

      Luke Larsen / Digital Trends

      The upcoming ChromeOS update is set to be released in the next few days, and the chromeOS.dev team has once again provided notes detailing the features expected with the new version of the Chromebook operating system. According to the team, the initial ChromeOS 134 update will launch this coming Monday, March 17th. However, many of the features might be rolled out on dates following the initial release.

      The features highlighted in the developer notes for ChromeOS 134 so far are intriguing and practical, and this batch is no exception. The notes outline enhancements for Google’s Quick Insert feature, specialized enterprise functionalities, additional accessibility options, and tools for content management. Here’s a summary of what to anticipate.

      Slow Keys

      ChromeOS 134 is committed to continual enhancements, particularly in terms of accessibility. One such feature, Slow Keys, is designed to aid users who need extra time and focus while typing by ensuring that keys are pressed intentionally. This will be especially beneficial for individuals with conditions impacting their fine motor skills, like tremors, arthritis, or fingertip numbness.

      The feature introduces a delay after a key is pressed, confirming that the correct key has been selected. This function aims to promote more accurate typing with fewer mistakes. In contrast, ChromeOS 133 has a similar feature called Bounce Keys, which ignores repeated keystrokes pressed in quick succession when enabled, enhancing the typing experience by reducing unintended characters.

      Student Data Transfer

      ChromeOS 134 will introduce a feature later this month that enables graduating students and users with a .edu account to transfer data from their school-associated accounts to a personal Gmail account. The tool will facilitate the transfer of content from Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Gmail. School administrators will have the ability to deploy the tool by pinning it to students’ Chromebook shelves and can also send notifications and schedule reminders for students to utilize the tool.

      GIFs with Quick Insert Support

      ChromeOS 134 will enhance the Quick Insert functionality, allowing users to insert GIFs as shortcuts directly into messages and documents without leaving the Quick Insert menu. Chromebook Plus models feature a Quick Insert button on the keyboard, while standard Chromebooks can access it via a Launcher + F shortcut. This addition will be a valuable enhancement to the Quick Insert menu.

      Isolated Web Apps for Kiosk Mode

      ChromeOS 134 will also support Isolated Web Apps (IWAs), offering a secure app solution for enterprise environments, which will control public kiosks and digital signage displays. This feature enables administrators to manage IWAs securely and deploy content to devices through the Admin console.

      Fionna Agomuoh is a Computing Writer at Digital Trends, covering various topics in the computing sector.

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