Once considered a “web-only” device with limited capabilities, ChromeOS has come a long way since its initial release with the Cr-48 laptop. The integration of Linux and Android apps has made ChromeOS a more versatile secondary device for many users.
However, the pain of learning a new set of keyboard shortcuts to use ChromeOS efficiently remains a hindrance for many users. Thankfully, the latest beta release of ChromeOS (111) brings some relief by adding experimental features to address this issue. According to Kevin Tofel’s About Chromebooks blog, an updated version of the shortcut viewer in the Settings app has the early makings of a shortcut changing and adding mechanism.
What can users do now?
This new feature allows users to add alternative shortcuts for various actions, such as manipulating tabs, windows, and desktops, accessing system settings, and utilizing multiple utilities.
The ability to unlock the shortcuts, change or remove their default settings, and reset all shortcuts is indicated by a “lock” icon and a “Reset all shortcuts” button.
Although the added shortcuts are not yet functional, the promise of this feature is exciting for users who switch between different operating systems and want to align their keyboard shortcut preferences.
Enable these first
For those who want to access this experimental feature, Tofel lists three flags that need to be enabled in the chrome://flags section of the Beta Channel device and an additional flag that may be required for some users, including:
- chrome://flags#improved-keyboard-shortcuts
- chrome://flags#enable-shortcut-customization-app
- chrome://flags#enable-shortcut-customization
- chrome://flags#enable-only-show-new-shortcut-app
Although the feature is not yet functional, remapping keyboard shortcuts will likely be available in a future release of ChromeOS. This feature will make ChromeOS an even more appealing option for users looking for a secondary device or a more versatile laptop.
Also read: ChromeOS Flex is now available for Windows PCs and Macs
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