Following the debut of Chrome 88 on both desktop and mobile, now it's Chrome OS' turn to shine Google is rolling out Chrome OS 88 to Chromebook users, offering a host of new features, including faster sign-in and personalized lock screens

The new features will begin appearing on Chromebooks in the coming days as Google rolls out new Chrome updates Some of the changes outlined by Google seem designed to make Chrome an attractive alternative to Windows

The lock screen change is undoubtedly one of the more visually significant changes in Chrome OS 88 according to Google, the Chromebook lock screen will essentially become a smart display in Chrome OS 88, and photos stored in Google Photos albums can be displayed across the entire Chromebook screen The lock screen can display information such as the current weather and music playing In addition, playback can be controlled from the lock screen without having to unlock the Chromebook

Accessing these lock screen features is as simple as going to "Settings" on your Chromebook and selecting "Personal Settings" > "Screen Saver" From there, simply turn the feature on

If you are using your Chromebook for work or personal productivity, security is likely a high priority That means protecting your passwords for your various online hangouts, and while Chrome already offers a variety of ways to use your stored passwords, Chrome OS 88 allows you to use your Chromebook as a second authentication point This is accomplished by using the Web Authenticator (WebAuthn) API

Typically, when logging into a Chromebook, you must use your cell phone to verify your identity with 2-factor authentication; according to Google, your PIN and fingerprint are not shared with any website that requires authentication Additionally, Universal 2nd Factor (U2F) will be available in the new Chrome OS release to enhance security

Productivity is important to some who switch to Chromebooks, as they tend to use the machine for writing and working That's why the improved AutoCorrect UI is an important and exciting feature added in Chrome OS 88 The faster you can spell check and get words on the screen, the faster you can finish whatever it is you're working on, whether it's an assignment or not, and with Chrome OS 88, the AutoCorrect interface has been significantly updated, and a new visual indicator that AutoCorrect has been applied has also been AutoCorrect has also been added There are also several ways to undo changes that AutoCorrect has applied if AutoCorrect does not meet your criteria

If you use a Chromebook as your main workstation, the virtual desk system has been greatly improved in Chrome OS 88 With virtual desks, you can launch multiple windows and desktops to separate projects and programs In the past, switching between multiple desktops was a bit cumbersome, but Google says that such frustration has been eliminated in Chrome OS 88 With virtual desks, users can switch between each desk at will without having to worry about animations slowing down their workflow

When Chrome OS 88 finally arrives, it will also offer a variety of additional features Keep an eye out for upgrades and take advantage of them to give your Chromebook an edge