Google on Tuesday announced the rollout of Chrome OS version 68.0.3440.87 to most Chrome OS devices running the on the Stable channel. The latest version of Google’s lightweight operating system introduces security updates, accessibility improvements, new Material Design changes, routine bug fixes, and a variety of other tweaks and additions. The update will roll out to Chromebooks and other supported devices in a gradual manner over the next several days.
Chrome OS now supports numeric PIN codes for sign-ins, which frees users from the hassle of having to enter their full Google account password for authentication purposes. In regards to accessibility, the update allows users of tablets and convertibles to enable and disable ChromeVox by simply using the side volume keys. With the new Select-to-Speak feature, users are also able to highlight, via touch or stylus pen, a specific section of any text for Chrome to read aloud. Another interesting accessibility feature introduced by Chrome OS 68 is the new Display Size setting that gives users the ability to adjust the display size of a connected screen with a dedicated slider. To offer a more customizable user experience, the new Chrome OS build also allows users to adjust the size of individual UI elements. Google didn’t forget about aesthetics and usability and gave dialog boxes and other UI elements a retouch with its intuitive Material Design 2.0 theme.
Other improvements introduced by the latest update include the ability to use child accounts for first sign-ins, new shortcuts for easily switching the magnifiers on and off, high-resolution image support for the Camera app, a refreshed look of the multitasking screen, improved zooming animation fluidity, and minor bug fixes. While Google didn’t provide a detailed list of devices set to receive the new update, virtually all contemporary Chromebooks and other product categories that are part of the company’s ecosystem should be receiving the latest firmware in the coming days.