Google is most known for Android in terms of operating systems, but it also has several other platforms under its belt. Because of the variety of operating systems it can handle, including Linux and Android, Chrome OS is one of the most complexes. On the other hand, Chrome OS feels like it’s still catching up to what some of its competitors have already accomplished. Google Chrome OS is receiving many of them with version 96, including an almost unique ability to manage an external camera.
Chromebooks aren’t known for their cameras, and the majority of them only have enough processing power to make adequate webcams for video chats. Most don’t even have a camera with a “world-facing” lens for taking photos. As Chromebooks become more diverse, many of them, particularly those with convertible designs, include such a camera, and Chrome OS has begun to capitalize on this trend.
Chrome OS acquired the ability to scan documents using either the front or back cameras, announced a few releases ago. It identifies edges automatically, as many document scanners, and makes it simple to transfer documents via Gmail or Android phones via Nearby Share.
A new function for users who utilize external cameras has been included in Chrome OS 96. A new virtual D-Pad is now available, allowing users to manage the camera’s Pan, Tilt, and Zoom features to frame the perfect photo. Those selections are maintained so that you may get right into a video conference with those settings.
According to 9to5Google, the latest Chrome OS version also improves the platform’s capabilities for sharing with neighboring Android devices. Previously only available in a few apps, such as Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), the Nearby Share feature is available from any Android app’s share sheet. Given that Android and Chrome OS are both made by the same company, this is a long-awaited feature.
More camera-centric features are also on the way, according to Google. The ability to generate animated GIFs using the Chrome OS Camera app is at the top of the list, allowing users to record five seconds of video and transform it into an entertaining clip they can quickly share. This will be available early next year, but experienced Chrome OS users can join Google’s beta program to test the functionality ahead of the rest of the world.
Source: 9to5Google | blog.google
