Chrome OS introduces a Phone Hub for Android devices
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Chrome OS is celebrating its 10th birthday with some new features. The desktop OS’ latest version is introducing a Phone Hub which connects the user’s Android device to their laptop and synchronizes different data between the devices. The Phone Hub’s goal is to make moving between Android and ChromeOS devices easy.
The Phone Hub shows different data from the user’s phone like its battery percentage and network reception. It also allows the user to access different phone features and settings from their Chrome OS device, such as enabling their Wi-Fi hotspot or switching to vibrate or silent modes. The different Chrome tabs opened on the user’s smartphone will also show up in this new hub.
The Phone Hub feature will work wirelessly, as long as the two devices are connected two the same Wi-Fi network. Wi-Fi Sync has also been expanded so if only one of the devices has the network password, it is able to sync it with the other one.
There are also other new features introduced with the anniversary update of Chrome OS. A new Screen Capture tool is featured in the Quick Settings menu, allowing users to take precise screenshots and screen recordings without using keyboard commands. The Quick Settings menu has also added media controls and pinning files with both these tools appearing in the menu when in use.
Another new addition to Chrome OS is the ability to add a school account for children. This is managed with the company’s Family Link feature. With Family Link, a parent can automatically generate a school account for their child when signing them up to the Chrome OS device and then supervise them while they write their homework.
Other smaller improvements in the new version of Chrome OS are found in the Desks app and Select-to-speak feature.
Questions & Answers
Q.What kind of information can users see about their Android phone on the Chrome OS Phone Hub?
What kind of information can users see about their Android phone on the Chrome OS Phone Hub?
The Phone Hub displays information such as the Android phone's battery percentage and network reception. Users can also access various phone features and settings directly from their Chrome OS device, like enabling a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Q.Does the Phone Hub allow users to view open tabs from their smartphone on their Chrome OS device?
Does the Phone Hub allow users to view open tabs from their smartphone on their Chrome OS device?
Yes, one of the new functionalities of the Phone Hub is that it will display the different Chrome tabs that are currently opened on the user's smartphone. This aims to make moving between devices easier for users.
Q.How can parents manage school accounts for children on Chrome OS devices?
How can parents manage school accounts for children on Chrome OS devices?
Parents can add a school account for their child using the company's Family Link feature. This allows them to automatically generate a school account when setting up a Chrome OS device and then supervise the child's activities, such as homework.
Q.What new screen capturing abilities are included in this Chrome OS update?
What new screen capturing abilities are included in this Chrome OS update?
A new Screen Capture tool has been added to the Quick Settings menu. This tool enables users to take precise screenshots and screen recordings without needing to use keyboard commands, simplifying the process for them.
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