On Tuesday, Google announced that it is introducing new AI features in its latest Chromebook Plus models, aiming to enhance the user experience with smart technology.
The new Chromebook Plus includes several AI-driven features:
- Help Me Write: This tool assists users in generating or modifying text based on prompts, allowing for tone adjustments, length changes, or complete rewrites.
- AI-Generated Videoconferencing Backgrounds: This feature provides a variety of customizable virtual backgrounds that work with any videoconferencing application.
- Magic Editor: Integrated into Google Photos, Magic Editor enables users to edit photos by selecting and repositioning objects and improving lighting and backgrounds with contextual suggestions.
- Gemini Integration: Google’s AI agent, Gemini, is accessible directly from the Chromebook’s home screen. New Chromebook Plus users will also receive a 12-month free trial of the Google One AI Premium plan, which includes access to Gemini Advanced, 2TB of storage, and integration with Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Gmail, and more.
Ross Rubin, principal analyst at Reticle Research, commented that this move reflects Google’s effort to leverage AI to maintain its competitive edge in information access and productivity, especially in the face of competition from OpenAI and Microsoft.
Mark N. Vena from SmartTech Research noted that the Chromebook Plus is an important update for the Chromebook category, which has become somewhat stagnant. However, he highlighted that Microsoft’s Copilot+ laptops, powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon processors with advanced neural processing units (NPUs), might offer a more robust AI experience due to their local processing capabilities.
Rubin pointed out that while Google’s announcement may not match the capabilities of Microsoft’s Recall feature—which helps users retrieve previously encountered information via natural language queries—Chromebook Plus represents significant integration of Google’s services and innovative features. It showcases Google’s attempt to unify its ecosystem, offering a range of new functionalities while maintaining a balance between innovation and affordability.
Rob Enderle from the Enderle Group questioned the timing of the announcement, suggesting that Google might have rushed it in response to Microsoft’s recent developments. Enderle noted that while the Chromebook Plus could compete with upcoming AI PCs, it remains less feature-rich compared to those machines but is likely to be more affordable.
The new Chromebook Plus models, including Acer’s two-in-one Chromebook Plus Spin 714 priced at $749.99 and the 516 GE gaming model at $699.99, indicate that Google is positioning itself to bridge the gap between budget-friendly Chromebooks and higher-end Windows laptops.
Acer General Manager for Notebooks, James Lin, remarked that the two new Acer Chromebook Plus models offer distinctly different experiences, yet both enhance the Chromebook Plus lineup. This highlights the versatility of the ChromeOS ecosystem and the importance of designing Chromebooks with user needs in mind.
Rubin added that Google is promoting the Chromebook Plus to offer an improved Chromebook experience. This strategy also benefits PC manufacturers by providing them with better margins on these products.
Upcoming Chromebook Plus Features
Google has hinted at several new features for the Chromebook Plus:
- Gemini Summarization: This feature will help users summarize websites or PDFs by right-clicking.
- Seamless Continuity: Users will be able to pick up where they left off across windows, tabs, and apps each time they log in. Additionally, suggestions from other devices running different operating systems will help users transition seamlessly between devices, like finishing an article started on an Android or iOS phone on the Chromebook.
Focus Mode: This allows users to select a time window, a Google Task, and a YouTube Music playlist. The Chromebook will then enable Do Not Disturb mode and track progress towards completing the task. - AI-powered Hands-Free Control: This includes face and gesture tracking for more intuitive control.
However, Enderle cautioned that while these features sound promising, both Copilot and Gemini have faced significant quality issues that need to be addressed. If these problems persist, it could impact the overall appeal of these devices.