ChromeOS M137 update boosts accessibility, sound, and IT management tools

If you manage Chromebooks—or use one yourself—ChromeOS M137 is now out with a few upgrades. The stable channel update, now rolling out in phases, brings a stronger set of tools for IT admins and accessibility users alike.

One of the standout features of the ChromeOS M137 update is FaceGaze policy control. Admins can now enable or disable the face-based navigation feature system-wide with the FaceGazeEnabled toggle. That’s a big deal for institutions managing hundreds or thousands of devices across schools or companies.

On the accessibility front, ChromeVox also picks up a new shortcut—Search + O + C—that displays spoken text in braille on connected displays. It’s a small change, but one that can make the system more usable for visually impaired users with braille readers.

Meanwhile, Google is also upgrading audio quality with the ChromeOS M137 update. A new feature called crosstalk cancellation uses software to simulate a more immersive sound experience through regular Chromebook speakers.

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It works by processing sound to feel more spatial, making video calls, movies, or directional games sound less like they’re coming from tin cans. IT departments also get some benefits with this update.

ChromeOS M137 introduces event-based log uploads, which means if a crash or update fails, the device can automatically send targeted logs to admins, without needing to manually pull system info. Google limits this to two logs per day per device to avoid overloading systems.

The update is rolling out in phases. So, if your device hasn’t gotten M137 yet, hang tight—Google’s usual staged release is in effect.