Google has announced a series of new features for ChromeOS dedicated to education and accessibility. Among the most innovative is the ability to control the computer with head movements and facial expressions. The feature, designed for users with mobility difficulties, was anticipated in December and is now being extended to a greater number of compatible Chromebooks (Google recommends at least 8 GB of RAM). This is not Google’s first step in this field. The company previously developed Project Gameface, an open-source AI-based accessibility tool for games on Windows, which is also available for Android.
Beyond this, Google has teased the arrival of several new Chromebooks for 2025, with more than 20 devices expected in the Chromebook and Chromebook Plus lines. This estimate includes the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus launched in October, but also includes the new Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14-inch 2-in-1 and more models on the way. Alongside laptops for students and teachers, Google also introduces “Class Tools”, a new set of features for ChromeOS designed for teaching. These allow teachers to monitor students’ screens in real time. By sharing a pairing code, teachers can push content directly to students’ Chromebooks, enable real-time captions or translations, remotely view screens, and share a student’s work with the entire class.
Finally, Google Classroom integrates with Figma’s FigJam, allowing teachers to assign online whiteboards to students for brainstorming and group work. Combining FigJam with the ability for teachers to monitor students’ screens could reveal who is actually contributing to group work.
