We’re thrilled to announce the release of Annotate PRO (AP) version 7.1 for Chrome Extension. This is a significant update that brings enhanced security, broader compatibility, and exciting new features to streamline your feedback process across various platforms.
Key Updates in v7.1
1. Enhanced Security with Manifest 3 Compliance
AP now fully complies with Google’s “Manifest 3” security and architecture requirements. This behind-the-scenes upgrade significantly bolsters AP’s security, ensuring your data remains protected.
2. Expanded Platform Compatibility
We’ve dramatically improved AP’s functionality across multiple platforms:
- LMS Integration: AP now works seamlessly with commenting solutions from Brightspace (D2L) and Blackboard LMS (both original and Ultra versions).
- AI Integration: Improved compatibility with text editor destinations like ChatGPT and other leading AI solutions.
- Rich Text in Plain Text: AP can now magically insert rich text (bold, italic, underline, bullets) into plain text destinations like Canvas Speedgrader comment bubbles.
3. Enhanced Free Form Text Entry
Our Free Form text entry feature has received a major upgrade:
- Supports rich text formatting
- Can be used to quickly type and add custom comments to any webpage
- New keyboard shortcuts:
- CTRL-SHIFT-F: Jump to Free Form from anywhere on a web page
- CTRL-ENTER: Send typed comments to your destination
- CTRL-DELETE: Clear Free Form contents (when focused)
4. Improved Checklist Feature
The Checklist feature now offers a “show unchecked” option. When selected, AP will include the choices you didn’t select, giving learners visibility into items that didn’t apply to them. AP remembers your preference for future use.
5. Better Gmail Integration
AP now integrates more smoothly with Gmail, allowing educators to insert comments from their AP Libraries or even translate comments on the fly (requires AP+ or institutional subscription).
6. Support for AI Chatbots
AP now supports web versions of leading AI/LLM chatbots including OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Anthropic’s Claude, Microsoft’s Copilot, and Google’s Gemini. This integration is particularly useful for storing and sharing prompts, especially when using AP’s Forms and Checklists features.
Important Note
- Permissions: AP now requests specific permissions to run. For transparency, we’ve created a detailed AP Chrome Extension Permissions page explaining why each permission is necessary.
Looking Ahead
This major update sets the stage for even more exciting features in the future. We’re particularly excited about the potential of AP’s integration with AI chatbots for enhancing prompt management and feedback processes.
Thank you for your continued support and trust in Annotate PRO. We’re confident that these updates will significantly improve your feedback workflow across all platforms.