The Chrome OS 137 update is now gradually rolling out to Chromebook users worldwide, introducing several new features, improvements, and important accessibility tools. If you’re using a Chromebook and want to know what’s new in this version, this article will give you a full breakdown of what to expect, including what devices are affected, new apps, accessibility enhancements, and admin-level tools.
📌 What’s New in Chrome OS 137?
1. Notebook LM App Now Pinned to the Shelf
One of the most noticeable changes in Chrome OS 137 is the addition of the Notebook LM app as a Progressive Web App (PWA) pinned directly to your Chromebook’s shelf.
What is Notebook LM?
Notebook LM is an AI-powered productivity tool from Google that lets you upload reference material like documents, websites, and even YouTube transcripts, and turns them into a podcast-style summary. It’s designed for deep reading, learning, or summarizing large amounts of content quickly using AI.
You can learn more or try Notebook LM here: https://notebooklm.google
💡 Note: Advanced features in Notebook LM may require a Google AI Pro subscription.
2. Google AI Pro Subscription Offer for Chromebook Users
Google has rebranded its Google One AI Premium Plan to Google AI Pro. If you own a Chromebook Plus, you’re eligible for a 12-month free trial, while regular Chromebook users get 3 months free.
This plan integrates deeply with Gemini and Notebook LM, offering enhanced AI capabilities.
Check eligibility and sign up: https://one.google.com
3. Device Compatibility & Rollout Status
Although Chrome OS 137 is rolling out now, some Chromebooks—especially those with 8th-gen Intel Core processors—are still on Chrome OS 136. This suggests a potential bug or delay specifically affecting those models.
You can check the current update status of your Chromebook model using this tool:
https://cros.tech
4. Accessibility Enhancements: Face Control & ChromeVox
Chrome OS continues its trend of making education and technology more inclusive with two important accessibility features:
a. Face Control Enhancements
- First introduced in Chrome OS 132 and improved in 135, the Face Control feature now gets a new administrative policy named
face_gaze_enabled. - School or enterprise admins can now control face gaze functionalities, helping manage accessibility features across managed devices.
b. ChromeVox Updates
- ChromeVox, the screen reader for visually impaired users, has received a major upgrade.
- Now, ChromeVox can display spoken text as Braille captions on connected USB or Bluetooth Braille displays. This is a huge step forward in accessibility support.
Learn more: ChromeVox Official Page
5. Event-Based Log Collection for Admins
Admins managing multiple Chromebooks in an organization or school can now benefit from event-based log collection. This feature helps automatically gather logs when a specific event occurs—such as a failed update—making troubleshooting more efficient and less time-consuming.
6. Crosstalk Cancellation for Better Audio
Chrome OS 137 introduces a feature called crosstalk cancellation, designed to improve the clarity of audio output, especially when using spatialized audio through your Chromebook’s built-in speakers.
⚠️ This feature may not be user-toggleable yet and might work silently in the background. Users who tested this on Chrome OS 136 reported no major differences, so it may still be in early refinement stages.
You can try testing your speaker setup with spatialized audio tools, like:
🖥️ Minor Updates & Improvements
- The Chrome browser has also received a fresh update in line with the OS upgrade.
- Expect several bug fixes and minor visual or under-the-hood improvements not always listed in official changelogs.
❓FAQs About Chrome OS 137
Q1: My Chromebook hasn’t received Chrome OS 137 yet. What should I do?
A: If you’re using a device with an 8th-gen Intel Core processor, it may be delayed due to bugs. You can check update status at https://cros.tech and wait for your region/device build to get the rollout.
Q2: What is Notebook LM and do I need Google AI Pro to use it?
A: Notebook LM is an AI tool to organize and analyze your content. While basic features may be free, some advanced capabilities do require a Google AI Pro plan.
Q3: Is crosstalk cancellation available for all audio apps?
A: The feature works with system audio but may not have a manual toggle yet. It’s primarily meant to enhance audio in background processing.
Q4: How do I activate ChromeVox Braille captions?
A: Connect a USB or Bluetooth Braille display. ChromeVox will automatically begin showing captions if it’s enabled.
🛑 Disclaimer
Features mentioned in this article, especially AI tools and accessibility features, may vary by device model and region. Some functions may still be in beta or gradually rolling out. Always refer to official Google and Chromebook documentation for the latest information.
🔖 Tags
chrome os 137 update, chromebook features, google notebook lm, chromevox, chrome os accessibility, chromebook plus, google ai pro, chrome os admin tools, chromebook audio, crosstalk cancellation
🔗 Hashtags
#ChromeOS137 #ChromebookUpdate #NotebookLM #GoogleAIPro #ChromeVox #AccessibilityTech #ChromebookPlus #SpatialAudio #ChromeOSUpdate #EdTechTools
Stay tuned for more updates as Chrome OS continues to evolve with smart AI integration, enhanced accessibility, and admin-focused tools that make Chromebook usage smoother for everyone.
