Google Elevating its Chromebook Plus Lineup with Array of Innovative AI Features

Google is elevating its Chromebook Plus lineup with an array of innovative AI features designed to enhance the user experience.

Launched last October, the Chromebook Plus series was envisioned as a premium, AI-enhanced collection of Chromebooks that remain budget-friendly. Initially, ChromeOS introduced AI functionalities aimed at reducing webcam noise.

But the broader ambition was to develop a fully-fledged AI assistant integrated into the operating system. A significant milestone has now been reached in realizing that vision. At the forefront of these enhancements is the impressive “Help Me Write” feature. 

This AI tool can elevate highlighted text, adjust its tone, and provide concise summaries. With intuitive understanding, it discerns when a more professional tone is necessary, tailoring your communication to suit the context of your email perfectly.

In addition, Google has unveiled the Magic Editor for Google Photos, a first-of-its-kind feature exclusive to Chromebook Plus. This groundbreaking tool enables users to edit images effortlessly with the help of AI.

This allows the removal of unwanted figures in the background or the elimination of awkward distractions, like a misplaced finger in your photo. John Maletis, VP of ChromeOS, proudly shared that this feature is a pioneering advancement within desktop operating systems.

What’s particularly exciting is that these AI capabilities come without stringent hardware requirements, aside from the essential specifications to qualify for Chromebook Plus. This sets it apart from Microsoft’s Copilot and Copilot+ products, which are labeled “AI PCs” and necessitate a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). 

Chromebook Plus breaks the mold, proving that powerful AI experiences need not be tethered to high-end devices. Moreover, users can enjoy a delightful variety of generative AI wallpapers and backgrounds for video calls.

This also consists of whimsical to sophisticated, elevating virtual interactions. In a humorous remark, TSMC CEO C.C. Wei quipped that one might as well toss aside a PC that lacks an “AI PC” sticker. 

However, Maletis aims to challenge this notion by showcasing that the advantages of AI technology can flourish on any Chromebook Plus. Even older models, such as those equipped with an Intel Core i3 and without an NPU, can seamlessly leverage Google’s Help Me Write.

This also comes with image editing functionalities. These advancements operate at the operating system level, meaning that no specific applications are needed to harness the power of AI for Help Me Write. 

Whether you’re crafting a message in WhatsApp, drafting a document in Google Docs, or composing a note in Slack, Google’s AI is there to assist you every step of the way. Every Chromebook Plus comes bundled with the Gemini app, which opens the door to engaging conversations about your daily calendar, work projects, or creative pursuits. 

Plus, purchasers will enjoy an incredible bonus: 12 months of complimentary access to Google One AI Premium, normally priced at $18.99 per month. This essentially wraps the premium features into the price of the Chromebook Plus, starting at an attractive $349, with European pricing yet to be announced.

Included in this premium package are Gemini Advanced, Gemini for Workspace, and a substantial 2TB of online storage. Users can explore the power of Gemini 1.5 Pro, celebrated for its astounding context windows of 1 million tokens. 

This means you can input lengthy documents, allowing the model to process and analyze all provided information. Maletis suggests that querying documents will transform how you find specific passages, saving you time and effort.

As Maletis and his team look ahead, they unveil exciting prospects. The forthcoming AI feature “Where Was I” will empower users to revisit a previous snapshot of their desktop, complete with all opened applications. 

Additionally, Help Me Write will evolve into “Help Me Read & Understand,” where AI adapts to provide assistance tailored to context. For instance, when engaging with educational content, the AI will adopt a teaching role, guiding users as they learn.

Other features will focus on enhancing the accessibility of Chromebooks. With live transcription and live translation, users can expect exactly what these tools promise, while future developments in ChromeOS may even include recognizing facial expressions and enabling voice control. 

In essence, Google’s advancements with Chromebook Plus not only redefine how we interact with technology but also open a world of possibilities, making our digital lives more enriching and intuitive.