Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL) is intensifying its efforts to elevate the Chromebook experience by introducing feature updates with the launch of ChromeOS 120.
This latest update brings several enhancements for Chromebooks, including the introduction of a Virtual Desk Button on the ChromeOS Shelf. This feature facilitates a swift switch between desks and the creation of new ones.
A notable addition is the Nearby Share Self-Share feature, allowing transfers between devices logged into the same Google Account, even when the Chromebook screen is off. It provides details on apps, installation methods, storage, and versioning information.
The update also introduces new “Mouse” settings, empowering users to control cursor speed, scrolling speed, and scroll acceleration. It enables right-click combinations using alt + click, launcher + click, or Disabled.
Moreover, the “Customize keyboard keys” page allows users to select shortcuts for various actions, including delete, page down/up, end, home, and insert. It also facilitates enabling F11 and F12 via predefined key combos.
Alphabet anticipates gaining substantial traction among Chromebook users with these enhancements.
In addition to ChromeOS 120, Alphabet recently introduced ChromeOS 117, featuring Material You and usability improvements. This update includes rounded rectangles, smaller cards for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and notifications, a volume slider, a Live Caption button, brightness control, and more.
Alphabet offers Chromebook owners and IT admins the option to extend automatic updates for ten years and maintain battery health with adaptive charging, keeping it at 80% before power disconnection.
The company has collaborated with policymakers and data-privacy regulators to introduce features like data processor mode, data controls, and camera and mic toggles on Chromebook, enhancing privacy-focused education services.
These advancements in the Chromebook ecosystem are expected to bolster Alphabet’s Google Services segment, a key growth driver for the company. Over the past year, Alphabet’s shares have surged by 54.2%, outperforming the Computer & Technology sector’s growth of 45.1%.
The strengthening Google Services segment is poised to contribute to Alphabet’s overall financial performance in the foreseeable future.
The Consensus Estimate for 2024 total revenues stands at $283.39 billion, indicating a year-over-year growth of 11.26%. Similarly, the consensus estimate for 2024 earnings is $6.74 per share, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 15.6%, with a 0.7% upward revision in the past 30 days.
While Alphabet’s Chromebook updates enhance its competitive position, it faces strong competition from rivals like Apple and Microsoft. Apple’s recent introduction of advanced personal computer chips and the macOS Sonoma update, along with Microsoft’s Surface Laptop Go 3 and Surface Laptop Studio 2, underscores the intense competition in the notebook and laptop market.
Featured Image: Megapixl
Author Stephanie Bédard-Châteauneuf 
