ChromeOS 104 starts rolling out today with several big interface updates that improve the experience of the operating system. 9to5Google reports: ChromeOS 104 introduces proper dark and light themes that touch every aspect of the user interface. This includes the shelf, the app launcher, the Files app, and the backgrounds of the various settings pages. You can enable the dark theme on the second quick settings page. Google has also created a wallpaper that “subtly transitions from light to dark” depending on the given theme. After updating, you’ll notice that the month and day now appear to the left of the time on the shelf. A click opens a monthly calendar with the ability to click on a day to see all events, an additional click opens the Google Calendar PWA. You can see other months and quickly return to Today. It takes up the same size as quick settings, while all available alerts appear slightly higher. Notifications from the same sender are now grouped together, while alert actions have larger touch targets.
The redesigned Launcher, which is more compact and doesn’t take up your entire screen, is more accessible. Additionally, some may have the ability to quickly search for Android apps in the Play Store with a built-in rating. ChromeOS version 104 introduces a more fully-featured Gallery app (with a new purple icon) that can open PDF files with the ability to fill out forms, sign documents, and add text annotations like highlights. There’s also a new Wallpaper & Style app, accessed by right-clicking the shelf and selecting the latter option. In addition to collections curated by Google, you can set wallpapers from your Google Photos library. It is possible to select an album and a new background will appear daily. This experience also allows you to set a device theme (automatic switching is available) and a screen saver with three available styles: slideshow, wind feel and floating.
