Google has announced the release of Chrome OS 127, an operating system based on the Linux core, UPSTART system manager, EBUILD/Portage assembly, and open components of Chrome 127. The user environment of Chrome OS focuses on web applications rather than standard programs, but it includes a full-fledged multi-asset interface, desktop, and taskbar. The output to the screen is achieved through the graphic stack Freon (with plans to switch to Wayland) and the window manager aura. The source texts of Chrome OS 127 are distributed under the free license Apache 2.0. The assembly is available for most relevant models of Chromebook, with Chrome OS Flex available for use on regular computers.
The main changes in Chrome OS 127 include:
- Support for call control buttons on Bluetooth headsets, allowing users to accept, end, or reject calls, as well as mute the microphone.
- Addition of DLC (Downloadable Content) indicators in the video call control panel, showing features like noise reduction, auto-generated subtitles, lighting adjustments, and blur effects.
- In the document and image viewer (Gallery), optical text recognition (OCR) based on machine learning is now available, enabling text extraction from scanned PDFs and voice narration for visually impaired users via screen readers.
- Enhancements to the firmware update management program, with added support for updating peripheral device firmware that require user actions like disconnecting and reconnecting the device. Step-by-step instructions are now provided for updating such devices.
/Reports, release notes, official announcements.