● Covered by 1 source · 2 reportsLow impact2 neutral
Chrome 156 for Googlebook rolls out with 14 updates, including AI Mode and shortcut improvements
Key points
- AI Mode menu now has hover tooltips.
- Alt+Tab switches windows on fullscreen sites with keyboard lock.
- Alt+Shift+Enter opens query in new background tab.
- Google Docs copying of large selections enabled.
- Facebook Live video performance improved.
- Stability fixes for extensions and third-party apps.
- Googlebook November update includes 31 bug fixes and firmware updates.
- HP and Dell XPS models received the most device-specific updates.
- All Googlebook devices received the latest security patches.
- Keystrokes register consistently on lock screen after waking laptop.
- Removed extra pop-up notification when copying files in Files app.
- Wallpaper & Style app no longer hangs or crashes when browsing options.
- Settings > Tips & support now opens the official Googlebook Help Center.
- Settings > Devices & accessories > Physical keyboard now shows "Built in Keyboard".
- Acer Googlebook 14 has improved keyboard and touchpad responsiveness after mode changes.
- Dell XPS Googlebook has improved touch responsiveness and reliability.
New Features and AI Mode Enhancements
Chrome 156 for Googlebook introduces a new feature: hover tooltips in the AI Mode menu, which appear when the mouse hovers over items in the address bar's AI Mode menu. Further AI Mode updates include refined animation timing, ensuring the animation plays consistently after expansion, and a new "Add to your search" header for adding tabs and files. The address bar also now correctly displays "Ask anything" hint text and a blinking cursor in AI Mode.
Keyboard Shortcut and Usability Improvements
Several keyboard shortcuts have been improved. Alt+Tab now switches windows on fullscreen sites and apps even when keyboard lock is active, aligning its behavior with ChromeOS, Mac, and Windows. A new Alt+Shift+Enter shortcut opens the typed query in a new background tab while keeping the user on the current page. Additionally, up/down arrows now move the cursor between lines in multi-line address bar text for easier editing, with suggestions hidden.
Site-Specific and Stability Fixes
The update includes specific improvements for various websites and general stability. Google Docs now supports copying large selections and tables. Facebook Live video streams have received performance improvements. Stability fixes were implemented across 1Password and other extensions, third-party applications, and Chrome tab functionality. Site and Google icons now display correctly when clicking into the address bar from a webpage or search results, and stale site icons are removed when the URL bar is cleared.
Download and Interface Refinements
Usability fixes address file downloads and interface interactions. A "Save As" dialog now supports choosing download save locations, and a naming issue with duplicate file downloads has been fixed, allowing them to open correctly. The context menu now opens when right-clicking links on the Incognito new tab page, and the close (X) button correctly closes third-party sign-in prompts.
Rollout Information
Chrome 156 for Googlebook is widely rolling out via the Play Store. This release follows the stable desktop and mobile versions, which began rolling out a week prior, though full availability for Android phones and tablets is still pending.
Updates
- Googlebook November update includes 31 bug fixes and firmware updates.
- HP and Dell XPS models received the most device-specific updates.
- All Googlebook devices received the latest security patches.
- Keystrokes register consistently on lock screen after waking laptop.
- Removed extra pop-up notification when copying files in Files app.
- Wallpaper & Style app no longer hangs or crashes when browsing options.
- Settings > Tips & support now opens the official Googlebook Help Center.
- Settings > Devices & accessories > Physical keyboard now shows "Built in Keyboard".
- Acer Googlebook 14 has improved keyboard and touchpad responsiveness after mode changes.
- Dell XPS Googlebook has improved touch responsiveness and reliability.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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How outlets covered it
Google is rolling out the "Googlebook November update," which includes 31 bug fixes, stability improvements, and firmware updates for Googlebook devices. The update addresses issues across security, input, UI, display, graphics, and video conferencing, with HP and Dell XPS models receiving the most device-specific changes.
Chrome 156 is rolling out for Googlebook, bringing 14 updates that include new AI Mode features, keyboard shortcut enhancements, and site-specific improvements. This update focuses on usability and stability across various Chrome functionalities.