Google today announced new AI-based features for its Chromebook Plus line of devices, such as a writing assistant, a wallpaper creator, and easy access to Google’s Gemini chatbot. As a reminder, Chromebook Plus laptops are productivity-oriented devices with minimal specification requirements. The company also introduced new Chromebook Plus models from HP, Acer and Asus.
The search giant added numerous Gemini-based features to Maps during its Google I/O developer conference earlier this month and called for spam detection. Google is now placing the Gemini icon on the Chromebooks app shelf for easy access.
In addition, users who purchase a new Chromebook Plus will receive the Google One AI Premium plan for 12 months. This plan gives you access to Gemini Advanced, 2TB of storage and Gemini in documents, spreadsheets, presentations and Gmail.
Earlier this year, Google introduced a writing tool in Chrome that allows users to write or reformat text anywhere. The company is now adding this ability to rewrite text system-wide on Chromebook Plus devices. Users can select text in PDFs, websites or web apps to reshape the sound and length.
Google is also adding a tool to Chromebook Plus that allows users to create wallpapers and backgrounds for video conferencing using guided prompts. Last year, the company also added a generative AI-based wallpaper tool to Android 14.
Chromebook Plus devices also get a generative AI-powered Magic Editor in Google Photos. This feature allows you to move or resize selected objects, and the AI takes care of background regeneration based on the changes.
Features for all Chromebooks
New budget Chromebook customers and existing Chromebook users will also get new features. First, Google makes it easier for you to set up a new Chromebook device. Now you can scan a QR code from your Android phone during setup, and your phone will share important details such as WiFi credentials and Google account information.
Chromebooks also get a convenient task integration in the calendar view. You can tap on the calendar view at the bottom right and see all your tasks from all Google Workspace apps.
The company also provides support for saving screen recordings in GIF format and a new game dashboard with the ability to assign buttons to mobile controls.
Upcoming Features
Finally, Google teases some of the upcoming features that will soon be available for Chromebooks. Last year, the company introduced an accessible gaming mouse through Project Gameface, which allows gamers to control the device through facial and head movements. Now work is underway to integrate this feature into ChromeOS so that users can navigate through the interface using gestures.
Chromebooks also get Gemini-based reading summaries of websites and documents. This feature also allows users to ask questions about the documents or articles.
Google will add a new continuity feature that will allow you to continue tasks such as reading an article that you canceled in Chrome on your phone. When this feature is introduced, every time you open your laptop, a screen will display suggested windows, apps, and tabs that you left open on other devices.
