ChromeOS 130 is now available, delivering a range of new features and enhancements, especially for Chromebook Plus devices. This release introduces several improvements across productivity, audio, display settings, and privacy, making the user experience smoother and more intuitive. Here’s a closer look at what’s new in ChromeOS 130:

Enhanced Recorder App with Real-Time Transcription

All Chromebooks now include a Recorder app that offers on-device transcription. This real-time transcription activates after downloading a 100MB model. The app is designed with a dual-column Material You interface, allowing users to capture audio from their devices seamlessly. For Chromebook Plus users, a more advanced 2GB model provides additional features, such as a three-point summary and title suggestions for recordings, making organization and review easier.

Studio-Style Mic with Enhanced AI Noise Control

ChromeOS 130 adds a new “Studio-style mic” feature for Chromebook Plus devices, bringing professional-level audio quality to online calls. Using advanced AI, this microphone setting simulates the quality of high-end microphones by enhancing noise cancellation and de-reverberation effects. Users who have already enabled noise cancellation will automatically receive these new features by default, but they can choose to switch back to standard noise cancellation in Settings > Device > Audio if desired.

The Studio-style mic feature is available through video call controls in the Shelf. Additionally, new “Appearance effects” adjust lighting and brightness, enhancing overall video call quality.

Help Me Read: Summarization and Question Tool

ChromeOS 130 introduces “Help me read,” an accessibility feature allowing users to right-click on websites and PDFs for quick summaries or to ask questions about the content. This tool can help simplify complex material, providing a brief overview or more details on the topics within.

Docked Picture-in-Picture (PiP) for Flexible Viewing

The Picture-in-Picture (PiP) feature has received an upgrade, enabling users to dock PiP windows on the side of the screen, which only shows a slim portion when not in use. A double-tap allows for easy expansion and minimization, making PiP more versatile than before.

Multi-Calendar Support in Google Calendar

ChromeOS 130 also introduces multi-calendar support, allowing users to view events from several calendars in Google Calendar. This integration helps users keep all their commitments in view without switching between accounts or tabs.

New Keyboard and Display Controls

In Settings > Device > Keyboard, users now have a slider to adjust the backlight brightness and an option to enable or disable the ambient light sensor, offering more control over display preferences. Likewise, similar settings are available under Display to control screen brightness, enhancing accessibility and personalization.

Improved File Suggestions and Access in Tote

ChromeOS 130 updates Tote with enhanced suggestions, making it easier to access files stored locally and on Google Drive. This new feature recommends important files and allows users to pin them for offline access. Additionally, starred Drive files can now be accessed directly from the Shelf, streamlining file management.

Enhanced Privacy Controls for Microphone and Camera Access

ChromeOS 130 includes improved privacy settings, making it easier for users to control OS-level privacy options for camera and microphone access. This update helps users understand and manage permissions across ChromeOS and the Chrome browser, ensuring privacy remains front and center.

Google Discover Tests Material 3 Redesign for a Fresh Look

Google is currently testing a Material 3 redesign of the Google Discover feed, visible on the latest Google app beta (version 15.43). This new design introduces cards that contain individual content items and make images taller, giving the feed a less cluttered appearance. With a single overflow menu per card, users can access “Save” and “Share” options more conveniently. Additionally, certain cards show the topic at the top with a “+” button for easy following, refining the experience to feel more organized.

With this update, ChromeOS 130 reinforces Chromebook’s utility, accessibility, and user control across work and leisure settings, making it a valuable release for all ChromeOS users.