Released on September 3, 2024; ChromeOS 128 brings several new features and improvements.
- Isolated Web Apps (IWAs)
ChromeOS 128 introduces Isolated Web Apps (IWAs) a high-trusted security model for web applications. IWAs provide stronger protections against server compromise and tampering than normal web apps making them suitable for security-sensitive applications.
IWAs are packaged into Web Bundles signed by their developers and distributed to end-users. In this initial release, IWAs are only installable using a new policy, IsolatedWebAppInstallForceList on enterprise-managed ChromeOS devices.
- Snap Groups
ChromeOS 128 also introduces Snap Groups a feature that allows you to group windows on one screen. When you pair two windows for split-screen display, ChromeOS forms a Snap Group. You can bring the windows back into focus together, resize them simultaneously and move them as a group.
- Geolocation Privacy Controls
ChromeOS 128 introduces new geolocation privacy controls, allowing you to set geolocation access to Allowed, Only allowed for system services, or Off. You can also block all apps or websites from accessing your location, regardless of previously granted permissions.
- ChromeOS Privacy Control Reminders
To use cameras and microphones on ChromeOS, you need to turn on both privacy controls and app permissions in two separate places. ChromeOS 128 now provides actionable reminders on the ChromeOS Apps settings page to help you have a smoother experience.
- OCR in ChromeOS Camera App
ChromeOS 128 also introduces Optical Character Recognition (OCR) in the ChromeOS Camera App allowing you to copy and search text from images, speak text from images using a screen reader and create searchable PDFs from images.
- Other Features and Improvements
ChromeOS 128 also includes a new look for pinned notifications, improvements to Auto Gain Control (AGC) and easier management of Access Point Names (APNs) for cellular-enabled devices.
Additionally site search shortcuts are now configurable by administrators and data processor mode features and ChromeOS terms are available to the entire EU through the Google Admin console. ChromeOS 128 also stores aggregated vitals data for one-year retention to better track progress over time.