Chrome OS 96 is rolling out today with a number of enhancements focused on the camera and other general app upgrades. Version 95 was skipped as part of the transition to updates every four weeks, while an LTS version for Chromebooks is now offered.
Camera app
For this release, Google is particularly focusing on improvements to the Chrome OS Camera app. Devices that have a rear-facing/”world-facing” camera will particularly benefit from a built-in document scanner that can convert captures to PDF and JPEG.
There’s a new “Scan” tab, which is where the “QR code” option is now located. The Camera app will automatically detect edges, but it’s user-adjustable. This capability might have already rolled out to your device on Chrome OS 94.
Meanwhile, those that use supported external cameras can control the angle and crop with Pan-Tilt-Zoom. Adjustments made with the Camera app’s new D-pad (check the left-hand bar) persist through various use cases.
Next year, the Chrome OS Camera client is getting a GIF maker that lets you record up to five seconds of video. Google is also testing Assistant integration to “take a photo,” “record video” and “take a selfie.”
Nearby Share
Nearby Share can now be accessed inside Android apps and their share sheets. The capability was previously limited to the Files app, Progressive Web Apps, and system applications.
Chrome OS Apps settings
In Chrome OS 96, there’s a new Notifications page in Settings > Apps that was previously only available in Quick Settings to immediately toggle on/off. This differs from website alerts.
Similarly, applications in the “Manage your apps” list now have a section for “Opening supported links” to determine whether URLs open the installed client or “in Chrome browser.”
Meanwhile, the Wallpaper app was recently redesigned with a larger grid UI and can be accessed from an app launcher icon instead of just right-clicking on the desktop.
How does it work?
A user can access the feature by simply opening the camera app and selecting ‘Scan’ mode. The document, when held in front of the camera, automatically detects the edges. Users can then click on the shutter button to capture.
A scanned image can now be shared across various platforms including- Gmail, social media, or to nearby Android phones or Chromebooks via Nearby Share. If there’s an external camera plugged in and configured, open the camera app to adjust the angle. Moreover, users can also check out other features, including Video mode, Self-timer, QR Code, and Save for later.
Moreover, by next year, Chrome OS users will also get a GIF maker that will allow users to record up to five seconds of video.
Other upgrades
Chrome OS 96 also comes with a dedicated Notifications section in Settings > Apps. Through this, users can disable notifications on certain Android apps easily or disable them all at once. Simply by enabling Do-not-disturb mode.
Earlier, Nearby Share support was limited. However, Chrome OS 96 users can use Nearby Share across all Android apps. The update has started rolling out to support Chromebooks. If you haven’t received yours, expect it within the next few weeks.