Google has officially begun rolling out version 156 of the Google Chrome browser for Googlebook (Googlebook OS) devices. This update includes a wide range of improvements and bug fixes across various aspects of the browser, keyboard shortcuts, and smart user interfaces, just two weeks after the previous browser update.
Key AI Features and Updates
The new update focused clearly on improving the AI Mode experience in the address bar. The update added explanatory tooltips that appear when hovering the mouse cursor over elements in the AI Mode menu. Improvements were also made to the animation timing for this mode to wait until expansion is complete for greater stability, in addition to updating the title of the tab and file addition menu to be named "Add to your search," and ensuring the guidance text and typing indicator appear accurately within the address bar.
Keyboard Shortcut and Control Improvements
The list of updates included 13 improvements covering fine details in keyboard shortcuts and the daily browsing experience:
- Alt+Tab Shortcut: It is now possible to switch between windows on websites and applications running in full-screen mode when the keyboard lock is enabled, just as is customary in ChromeOS, Mac, and Windows, without the need to continuously press the escape key to exit before switching.
- Alt+Shift+Enter Shortcut: Allows opening the written query in a new background tab while keeping the user on their current page.
- Navigation Arrows in Multi-line Text: Up and down arrows allow moving the typing cursor between lines to facilitate editing when text wraps across multiple lines while hiding temporary suggestions.
Website Compatibility and Stability Improvements
The updates extended to the performance of certain specific websites and services. The ability to copy large selections and tables within Google Docs was enabled, and the performance of live video streaming on the Facebook platform was improved. Regarding stability, comprehensive improvements were made across browser extensions such as 1Password, third-party applications, and tab functions.
What Changes Practically for Users?
Googlebook users will notice direct practical improvements in file management and tab browsing. Support for the "Save As" dialog window has been added to specify download save locations, and the issue of duplicate file naming has been addressed to open them smoothly within applications. Additionally, the close button in third-party login windows now works correctly, and the context menu has returned to appear when right-clicking on links within the new tab page for Incognito mode, in addition to the precise correction of displaying website and Google icons in the address bar and deleting old icons when clearing the link bar.