Chrome & Chromebook Guide: Fix Gmail Notifications, Google Tasks, and New Features

Stay up-to-date with the latest Google Chrome and Chromebook features, fixes, and tutorials! This guide covers resolving Gmail notification issues, mastering Google Tasks, exploring Chrome's Reading Mode, and more to enhance your browsing experience.

Fix: Getting Gmail Notifications on Chrome OS

Are you missing important emails due to Gmail notifications not appearing on your Chromebook? Don't worry, there's a fix!

Here's how to troubleshoot Gmail notification issues on Chrome OS:

• Check Chrome OS Notification Settings: Ensure notifications are enabled for Gmail within your Chromebook's settings. This is the first place to check when notifications aren't showing up.
• Verify Gmail Settings: Confirm that Gmail itself is set up to send notifications through Chrome.
• Clear Cache and Data: Sometimes, old data can interfere with notifications. Clearing the cache can often resolve the issue.

Master Google Tasks: The Ultimate Web Guide

Supercharge your productivity with Google Tasks on the web! This free to-do list app integrates seamlessly with Gmail and Google Calendar.

Here's what you need to know about using Google Tasks:

• Access Anywhere: Use it within Gmail, Google Calendar, or as a standalone web app. This allows for flexible task management.
• List Management: Create and organize tasks into lists for better organization.
• Integration is Key: Connect with other Google services, such as Calendar to stay even more organized.

Chrome's Reading Mode Enhanced: Google Docs Support & Read Aloud

Google Chrome's Reading Mode is getting even better! Soon, you'll be able to listen to articles and use Reading Mode with Google Docs. This update enhances accessibility and convenience.

Here's what's new:

• Google Docs Support: Initiate Reading Mode within Google Docs for distraction-free reading.
• Read Aloud Feature: Listen to articles, which is perfect for multitasking or accessibility needs.
• Improved Focus: Eliminate distractions and focus on the content that matters.

Monitor Chrome Tabs: How to View Memory Usage

Ever wondered how much memory your open Chrome tabs are consuming? Google Chrome now provides a quick way to view memory usage by individual tabs, so you don't have to guess anymore.

Here's how you can check it:

• Access Task Manager: Use Chrome's built-in Task Manager to see real-time memory usage.
• Identify Resource Hogs: Pinpoint tabs that are using excessive memory to improve performance.

Google Gemini in Chrome: Access AI from the Address Bar

Google is testing an integration between Chrome and Gemini, its AI assistant. Using the @gemini shortcut allows quick access from the address bar.

How to use Gemini with Chrome:

• Type @gemini: Simply type @gemini in the address bar, followed by your prompt.
• Experimental Feature: Note this is a test feature, so keep an eye out for changes.

Decluttering Chrome: Android's Automatic Tab Management

Chrome for Android is preparing to test a new feature for automatic tab decluttering. This feature will automatically archive and delete inactive tabs, keeping your browser tidy.

What to expect:

• Auto-archival and Deletion: Inactive tabs will be automatically managed.
• Improved Performance: Reduce memory usage and improve browsing speed.

Chromebook App Discovery: The Upcoming 'Mall' App

Google is developing a "Mall" app for Chrome OS, designed to help users discover and install web apps. The Mall app will be an experimental service within Chrome OS.

Key features include:

• Web App Discovery: Discover new and interesting web apps.
• Centralized Installation: Simplify the process of finding and installing apps.

Chrome Customization: Create Themes with AI

Google Chrome now offers an AI theme generator, allowing you to create custom themes based on subject, style, and mood. Personalizing Chrome has never been easier.

Here's how to use it:

• Select Theme Criteria: Choose a subject, style, and mood for your theme.
• AI-Powered Generation: Let Chrome's AI generate a unique theme based on your selections.

Preview Links in Chrome

Google Chrome allows you to preview links before opening them. Not sure where a link leads? Preview it first.

How to use link previews:

• Enable the Flag: Enable the Link Preview flag in chrome://flags.
• Get a Sneak Peek: Preview links before committing to opening them.

Add Websites to iPhone Home Screen

Quickly access your favorite websites by adding them to your iPhone's home screen. This creates an app-like shortcut for easy access.

To add a website:

• Share and Add: Use the "Share" option in Safari and select "Add to Home Screen".