Google is bringing tons of AI features to Chromebooks (with a catch)

Microsoft recently announced its Copilot Plus initiative for premium AI-powered computers, but Google isn’t standing still. The company just revealed a slew of features coming to Chromebooks soon.

The Chromebook Plus line will get almost all the new AI features, starting with the “Help me write” feature. Users simply need to right-click to generate text from the tooltip or change the tone of existing text.

Chromebook Plus devices will also get a Generative AI Wallpaper feature, which appears to be compatible with the AI ​​Wallpaper feature on Pixel phones. It looks like these wallpapers can be used as backgrounds in video calling apps.

The Chromebook Plus additions don’t end there, as Google has revealed that Magic Editor will only be available on these premium devices. For the uninitiated, Magic Editor is an AI-powered photo generating suite developed by Google that allows users to move objects, resize objects, and much more.

Google is also bringing Gemini to the Chrome OS home screen and will offer a 12-month Google One AI Premium plan with 2TB to new Chromebook Plus users.

In addition to the above-mentioned features that are coming soon, Google also revealed that Chromebook Plus devices will receive document and PDF summaries later this year. This feature uses Gemini and can be activated by right-clicking.

Don’t have a Chromebook Plus device? Then you’ll be happy to know that some features will soon be available on standard Chromebooks too. For starters, you’ll soon be able to set up your Chromebook on your phone by using a QR code and your phone to share your Wi-Fi credentials and Google account information.

Other notable features available on standard Chromebooks include more intuitive GIF screen recording, one-click access to Google Tasks, and an improved Game Panel that now lets you map mobile game controls to the keyboard.

Later in 2024, Google will add a few more features to all Chromebooks. Perhaps the most notable feature coming to devices later this year will be the Project Gameface initiative, which will allow you to control your Chromebook using face tracking and gestures.

Google will also introduce a productivity-boosting Focus feature:

Select a time slot, the Google task you want to complete, and a YouTube Music playlist, and your Chromebook will automatically turn on Do Not Disturb mode and count down your progress.

Finally, Chromebooks will soon offer a splash screen when you open your laptop. From this screen, you can open windows and apps from your last session, as well as see suggestions from other devices (like opening an article on your Chromebook that you started reading on your phone).

Either way, it’s clear that if you’re interested in Google’s cutting-edge AI features, you need to buy the premium Chromebook Plus device. Google is also releasing new Chromebook hardware, which encourages you to upgrade to a new Chromebook.