Google today announced new AI-powered features for its Chromebook Plus series of devices, including a writing assistant, wallpaper creation feature, and easy access to the Google Gemini chatbot. As a reminder, Chromebook Plus laptops are productivity-focused devices with minimal spec requirements. The company also announced new Chromebook Plus models from HP, Acer, and Asus.
The search giant added a number of Gemini-powered features to Maps and called out spam detection at its Google I/O developer conference earlier this month, and Google is now placing a Gemini icon on Chromebooks' app shelf for easy access.
Additionally, users who purchase a new Chromebook Plus will get access to the Google One AI Premium plan for 12 months, which includes Gemini Advanced, 2TB of storage, and access to Gemini for Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Gmail.
Google introduced the writing tool within Chrome earlier this year to allow users to write and reformat text anywhere. The company is now adding this feature to rewrite text system-wide on Chromebook Plus devices. Users can select text on PDFs, websites, and web apps and adjust the tone and length.
Image credit: Google
Google is also adding a tool to the Chromebook Plus that can generate wallpapers and video conferencing backgrounds through guided prompts. The company also added an AI-powered generative wallpaper tool to Android 14 last year.
Chromebook Plus devices will also get a generative AI-powered Magic Editor in Google Photos, which allows you to move or resize a selected object and the AI will regenerate it in the background based on your changes.
All Chromebook Features
New low-cost Chromebook customers and existing Chromebook users will also be getting new features. First, Google is making it easier to set up a new Chromebook device. During setup, you scan a QR code from your Android phone, and your phone will share key details like your Wi-Fi credentials and Google account information.
Image credit: Google
Chromebooks also bring a handy task integration to the calendar view: tap the calendar view in the bottom right to see all your to-do items across all your Google Workspace apps.
Image credit: Google
The company is also adding support for saving screen recordings in GIF format and a new game dashboard with the ability to map mobile controls to keys.
Upcoming Features
Finally, Google has teased some upcoming features coming to Chromebooks: Last year, the company introduced a gaming mouse through Project Gameface that lets you control your device with face and head movements, and is now working to integrate this functionality into ChromeOS, allowing users to navigate the interface with gestures.
Image credit: Under Google License.
The Chromebooks will also feature Gemini-powered summaries of websites and documents, which will allow users to ask questions about documents and articles.
Google is adding a new Continuity feature to Chrome that will let you pick up where you left off on your phone, like reading an article. When the feature is introduced, every time you open your laptop, suggestions for windows, apps, and tabs that you left open on your other devices will appear on the screen.
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The company is also working on a focus-related feature: the system will let you choose a task, a time frame to complete it, and a YouTube Music playlist to listen to, while a “Do not disturb” mode is activated to block all notifications.
New Devices
Along with the feature announcement, Google also announced six new Chromebooks from HP, Acer, and Asus: four Chromebook Plus models and two budget Chromebooks. These Chromebooks are priced at affordable prices, ranging from $299 to $699.