ChromeOS 138 brings desktop sync and enhanced AI wallpaper creation

Google has released ChromeOS version 138, introducing desktop synchronization across Chromebooks and significantly enhanced AI wallpaper generation capabilities. The update addresses workflow continuity for users working across multiple devices while expanding creative control for Chromebook Plus owners through freeform AI prompting.

What you should know: The new desk sync feature allows users to seamlessly transition between Chromebooks without losing their work environment.
• Windows, tabs, and cookies sync across devices, enabling users to pick up exactly where they left off when switching Chromebooks.
• Google specifically highlights its utility for workers in healthcare, hospitality, and manufacturing who often share device pools.
• The feature is optional and can be enabled through ChromeOS user settings under “Desk sync.”

Key upgrade for AI wallpapers: Chromebook Plus models now offer dramatically improved AI wallpaper creation through unrestricted text prompting.
• The previous version, introduced in May 2024 alongside Gemini (Google’s AI assistant), limited users to specific art styles and narrow prompt formats.
• Users now have access to a freeform text field for prompt inputs, providing significantly more control over generated wallpapers.
• An “Inspire me” button generates wallpapers and prompts for users seeking creative starting points.

Additional features: ChromeOS 138 brings several AI-powered productivity enhancements and accessibility improvements.
• Chromebook Plus users gain access to the “Help me read” feature, which simplifies jargon-heavy or technical text.
• All ChromeOS devices can now use Lens (Google’s visual search tool) to search from on-screen content or directly select text from images.
• The update includes various bug fixes designed to improve overall accessibility.

Why this matters: These updates position ChromeOS as a more viable option for enterprise environments and creative users, addressing two key limitations that have historically constrained Chromebook adoption in professional settings.