Source: Android Central
What you need to know
- Google is rolling out Chrome OS 86 today.
- The update brings a lot of improvements towards helping the platform be more accessible.
- A new photo editor also comes along for the ride.
Google has started rolling out Chrome OS 86, another update to its Chromebook platform. In a blog post sharing what's new, the company chose to highlight features that'll help the platform become more accessible. It's introduced customizable cursors, allowing users to change the color of the cursors to improve visibility. There are seven new options, including: red, yellow, green, cyan, blue, magenta, and pink. This was spotted being tested earlier this year and is finally available just in time for disability awareness month.
Source: Google
Other accessibility focused features include updates to Select-to-speak, ChromeVox, and PDFs. The Select-to-speak feature now lets users fade out text they haven't highlighted, allowing them to focus on what is being read out. For its part, ChromeVox is now easier to navigate with simplified menus. Google has also smartened up the screen reader, sllowing it to change the voice depending on which language it's speaking in. If a page has multiple langauges, ChromeVox will now switch voices as required. Finally, exporting websites to PDFs is now built such that it's legible for screen readers, helping those who need visual aids.
Google also highlighted the Chrome OS accessibility hub for users who want to learn more about all the accessibility features that exist on Chrome OS.
A final small, unmentioned feature in this is the inclusion of a new photo editor that puts editing tools a single click away in the photo viewer app. Chrome OS 86 is rolling out now. As always, not everyone will get it at the same time.
Pixelbook Go
One of the nicest Chromebooks you can buy. With a bright screen and a spacious trackpad, it's pretty nice to use.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
The Atom XL is small, rugged, and a chore to use
Small phones are rare and so are rugged phones, so to find that combo in a single affordable device is near unicorn status. The Atom XL from Unihertz offers some great features focused on a rugged life, however, the company forgot to build in a decent camera or display for outdoor lighting.
OnePlus 9 is releasing in March 2021 — four weeks earlier than usual
The OnePlus 9 will be released in March 2021, significantly earlier than any flagship OnePlus has launched yet. The early launch allows OnePlus to better position its 2021 flagship against the likes of Samsung, Xiaomi, and others.
Nest Secure is discontinued — here's what's going on and why it matters
Nest's home security alarm system is only three years old, and yet its already heading to the Google Graveyard. This announcement is sudden, unexpected, and quite honestly unreasonable on Google's part, as it leaves users and their home safety in limbo.
Use a satisfying mechanical keyboard on your Chromebook instead!
Typing for hours on end on a slim Chromebook keyboard is OK, but why settle for that when you could be gliding across satisfyingly smooth mechanical keys instead? When you're at home or at the office, mechanical keyboards are what you and your Chromebook deserve!