Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

Chromebooks might get another great feature from Windows laptops

Some premium Windows laptops have a nifty feature that can detect your presence and lock the screen for your security, or even track you to improve your digital well-being. This is something that current ChromeOS devices don’t yet support, but there’s now an indication, spotted by Chrome Unboxed, that it might already be in the works for a new Chromebook model.

This is all being fueled by a listing in the Chromium repository that mentions “body detection” for a Chromebook that goes by the name of “Crota.” This Chromebook apparently has the 12th-generation Intel Alder Lake CPU and could be coming in early 2023. Adding to that speculation is the fact that @wistron is attached to the email domain in the listing, which Chromeunboxed finds is typically associated with Dell’s involvement in a project.

Related Videos
A Dell Chromebook

So, which Dell Chromebook could come with this body detection feature? Well, speculation is that it could be an Inspiron Chromebook model, though that’s uncertain since a flagship Dell Chromebook has not been released in two years. Chrome Unboxed reports that there’s a total of three additional Chromebooks from Dell that are in the works with 12th-generation Intel CPUs, so it could be any one of those models. These have the codenames “Gimble,” “Primus,” and “Banshee.”

Again, a lot of this is largely based on speculation, and nothing has been made official as of yet. Google, though, did seem to tease this technology in March 2021. Then celebrating the 10th anniversary of Chromebooks, the company mentioned “utilizing our artificial intelligence technology to help people proactively, integrating sensor technologies for more personalized experiences” as one of the things coming up in the next 10 years on new hardware.

Chromeunboxed also uncovered listings in the Chromium repository for auto lock and snoop detection. These two features can perhaps be related to body detection, but that’s uncertain at this point. It’s also uncertain how exactly ChromeOS might use these features to its advantage, or if additional sensors will be involved. If based on how the technology works Windows laptops, it could depend on the webcam and infrared sensors, but that’s just a guess.

Chromebooks do, however, have privacy screens, which make it harder for someone to see what’s on your display. The HP Elite c1030 has this technology on board, so there is interest in increased privacy and security features in the Chromebook space.

Editors' Recommendations

MacGPT: how to use ChatGPT on your Mac
The MacGPT app for macOS Monterey and Ventura.

Apple might not officially be in the AI space, but a developer has created a legitimate way to bring ChatGPT to macOS and make the chatbot accessible from your menu bar.

The aptly named MacGPT is an application developed by Jordi Bruin that allows you to install ChatGPT as a remote browser on your Mac desktop. The application has been available since the 2022 holiday season and has garnered over 370 ratings, many of which are five stars. MacGPT is currently free, however, Bruin accepts donations. Once out of beta, he will make MacGPT available at the App Store, where it will sell for $5.

Read more
Windows 12: the top features we want to see in the rumored OS
A laptop running Windows 11.

Windows 12 might be in development at Microsoft, at least according to the latest rumors. A leak from Intel made mention of Windows 12, and with a new Windows Insider channel promising cutting-edge versions of the operating system, it seems Microsoft is eyeing the next major release.

Windows 11 is less than two years old, but reports say Microsoft could release Windows 12 as soon as 2024. Microsoft hasn't made any official announcements yet, but it's still not too early to get a wish list going. Here's what I want to see out of the next major version of Windows.
A set Windows 12 release date

Read more
4 Windows 11 accessibility features that make it easier for everyone to use
Person using Windows 11 laptop on their lap by the window.

Windows 11 feature some big updates for Microsoft's storied operating system visually, but it has made big strides in accessibility as well. Live Captions, updates to the Narrator, and even full voice access might make Windows 11 the most accessible OS Microsoft has ever released.

Regardless of it you need accessibility features to navigate Windows 11 or if you just want to make getting around a little easier, we tried out a slew of features to bring you our favorites. If you want to browse the full list, you can find it by opening the Settings app in Windows 11 and selecting the Accessibility tab.
Live captions

Read more