Google is bringing a privacy feature to Chromebooks, one that should be familiar to Android users. Manufacturers adopt different privacy solutions for their devices, and these can be software or hardware-based, or a combination of both. For example, some laptops have a privacy shutter for the webcam that users can slide over when the lens is not in use.

Another example is the upcoming modular Chromebook from Framework which takes things further with its kill switches that cut power to the camera and microphone. Several smart displays and smart speakers have a mute switch that deactivates the microphone so that the devices are not constantly listening. App developers also include buttons for muting the microphone or turning off the camera during calls.

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When Android 12 was released in 2021, it brought was Privacy Indicators which notified users if an app was using the camera, microphone, or both via a green bubble. Now, Google plans to bring the feature to Chrome OS according to Chrome Story. Evidence of the feature coming to Chromebooks was spotted on the Chromium Gerrit alongside an experimental flag. The description says that a green icon will appear in the status area when a user is sharing their screen or the camera or microphone is in use. There will also be a silent notification in the tray.

Other Features Coming To Chromebooks

Android Privacy Indicators

There is no saying when the feature will begin to roll out to users but once the flag is available, those who want to try it out should be able to do so, with the expectation that it may be buggy since it is still in development. Unlike Android's Privacy Indicator which is only available on devices running Android 12 and higher, this feature should be available for most Chrome OS devices, or at least those with support for Android apps.

Privacy Indicators are one of many interesting features Chrome OS users can look forward to. A few months ago, Google announced that the platform will get a new movie editor tool within Google Photos this fall. Those who want a more advanced editor can look forward to the arrival of the popular video editing app, LumaFusion, on Chromebooks.

Another Android feature reportedly coming to Chromebooks is Adaptive Charging. Available on Pixel smartphones, Adaptive Charging on Chromebooks will use AI to study usage patterns and keep a Chromebook from fully charging and then speed it up when it's almost time for the user to unplug it. This should help preserve a Chromebook's battery health as keeping a device fully charged at all times can have a negative impact on the battery.

Source: Chrome Story, Chromium