Chromebooks are getting a big upgrade to boost your productivity

and image of the Google Chrome logo on a laptop
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Google is currently testing a new feature in ChromeOS that could make managing your tasks easier on the best Chromebooks.

As discovered by C2 Production on Twitter, a new Google Tasks widget is being tested in the Canary build (an experimental version of Chrome for developers) of ChromeOS 118. 

As the tweet explains, this isn’t a widget in the traditional sense but a Google Tasks integration with the Calendar Widget in the Shelf. The Google Task widget appears on top of the Calendar widget and is divided into different tasks, such as schoolwork or personal tasks.

What’s useful about this new feature is that you can tick off tasks as you finish them. Not only will you know what you need to complete, but you’ll also see what you’ve finished. You can also set up different lists with their respective tasks, which can help you organize even further. If you have a lot on your plate at work or in your personal life, this new feature should ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.

As TechRadar notes, you’re currently not able to add new tasks through the widget. Instead, you’ll have to go through the Google Tasks homepage to add a new task. Said task will then automatically show up in the widget on your desktop.

C2 Productions’ tweet also shows off a new Material You redesign in ChromeOS’ Settings menu (via 9to5Google). The redesign itself seems to take cues from Android’s interface. That’s not too surprising given how ChromeOS and Android have shared similar design elements. If you’re an Android user, this could make navigating ChromeOS easier.

Outlook 

As with all features tested in Google ChromeOS Canary builds, it’s not guaranteed we’ll see this Google Tasks feature arrive for all Chrome users.

Hopefully, this feature will eventually manifest on Chrome. If you’re like me, you’re likely swamped with a bunch of tasks not only at work but even at home. Sure, there are apps to help you keep on top of tasks, but having this new feature in Chrome should help out big time.

More from Tom's Guide

TOPICS
Tony Polanco
Senior Computing Writer

Tony is a computing writer at Tom’s Guide covering laptops, tablets, Windows, and iOS. During his off-hours, Tony enjoys reading comic books, playing video games, reading speculative fiction novels, and spending too much time on X/Twitter. His non-nerdy pursuits involve attending Hard Rock/Heavy Metal concerts and going to NYC bars with friends and colleagues. His work has appeared in publications such as Laptop Mag, PC Mag, and various independent gaming sites.

Read more
Garmin Fenix 8 ComingUp app
Garmin launches ComingUp — a free task manager app for your watch
ChatGPT logo on a smartphone screen being held outside
OpenAI announces ChatGPT Tasks for automating future actions — here's how to try it
ChatGPT
ChatGPT Tasks turns the AI chatbot into a productivity platform — 3 tips to get more out of it
Google Chromebook Face Control feature demo
Forget a mouse — Chromebooks can now be controlled with your face
ChatGPT on iPhone
ChatGPT's scheduled task feature is a game changer — 5 prompts to try first
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL desktop mode.
I tried this hidden desktop mode on my Pixel 9 Pro XL — Google needs to bring this to all Android phones
Latest in Chromebooks
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus playing Ninja Gaiden 2 Black with PS5 DualSense controller
I tried gaming on a Chromebook for a week — and it's better than I expected
Google Chromebook Face Control feature demo
Forget a mouse — Chromebooks can now be controlled with your face
HP Chromebook x360 holiday deal
Act fast! This HP Chromebook 2-in-1 is $230 off — just $199 right now
Chromebook Plus AI features
Chromebooks are taking on Copilot and Apple Intelligence with 5 new AI features
Acer Chromebook Plus 515 review unit on desk
Acer Chromebook Plus 515 review: This $400 laptop has killer speakers for the price
Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus review unit on a desk
Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus review
Latest in News
NYTimes Connections
NYT Connections today hints and answers — Sunday, March 9 (#637)
Prime Gaming's selection of free games for March 2025
Amazon Prime is giving away these 20 games in March — get Fallout, Saints Row 3, and more free games now
Hugh Grant as Mr. Reed in "Heretic"
Max top 10 movies — here’s the 3 worth watching right now
NYT Strands on a cellphone
NYT Strands today — hints, spangram and answers for game #371 (Sunday, March 9 2025)
Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 price rumors and predictions — everything we've heard so far
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge back
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge latest leak hints at good news for pricing