Google adds AI-powered features to Chromebook

Google has introduced new AI-powered features for its Chromebook Plus line, including a writing assistant, wallpaper creator, and easy access to the Gemini chatbot. The update also includes new Chromebook Plus models from HP, Acer, and Asus. Additionally, purchasers of new Chromebook Plus devices will receive a 12-month Google One AI Premium plan.

Enhancements extend to all Chromebooks with new setup features via QR code scanning from Android phones, integration of Tasks in the calendar, and the ability to save screen recordings in GIF format. Google also teased upcoming features like gesture-based navigation and Gemini-powered reading summaries for ChromeOS.

The announcement also highlighted the release of six new Chromebooks, including budget-friendly options, enhancing accessibility and productivity features across devices. These updates were revealed alongside improvements in Google Maps, spam detection, and more at the Google I/O developer conference.

The newly introduced Chromebook Plus models from HP, Acer, and Asus come with several upgrades and new features compared to their previous models1. These include:

1. Improved Performance: The new Chromebook Plus models offer double the performance of their predecessors, thanks to the latest Intel Core processors and enhanced memory and storage capabilities.

2. AI-Powered Features: The new Chromebook Plus devices come with built-in Google apps and powerful AI capabilities, including a writing assistant, a wallpaper creator, and easy access to Google’s Gemini chatbot5. They also offer Google Photos Magic Eraser and Adobe Photoshop on the web to boost productivity and creativity5.

3. Google One AI Premium Plan: Users buying a new Chromebook Plus will get the Google One AI Premium plan for 12 months, which allows them to access Gemini Advanced, 2TB of storage, and Gemini in Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Gmail2.

4. Systemwide Rewrite Feature: The new Chromebook Plus devices come with a systemwide rewrite feature that allows users to select text on PDFs, websites, or web apps to help them reshape the tone and length.

5. Generative AI-Powered Magic Editor: Chromebook Plus devices are also equipped with a generative AI-powered magic editor in Google Photos, which lets users shift or resize selected objects, and AI takes care of background regeneration based on the changes5.

6. Easy Setup: New Chromebook users can now set up their devices easily by scanning a QR code from their Android phone while setting up. The phone will share essential details like Wi-Fi credentials and Google account information.

7. Tasks Integration: Chromebooks are also getting a handy Tasks integration in the calendar view, allowing users to view all their to-do items from all Google Workspace apps.

8. Game Dashboard: A new Game dashboard with the ability to map mobile controls to keys has been added to the Chromebooks.

In summary, the new Chromebook Plus models from HP, Acer, and Asus offer improved performance, AI-powered features, and a range of new capabilities designed to enhance productivity, creativity, and ease of use.