Google is adding AI-powered features to Chromebook

Google today announced new AI-powered features for its Chromebook Plus line of devices, including typing assistant, wallpaper creator, and easy access to the Google Gemini chatbot. Please remember that Chromebook Plus laptops are productivity-focused devices that meet minimum technical requirements. The company also presented new Chromebook Plus models from HP, Acer and Asus.

The search giant has added a number of Gemini-powered features to Maps and is calling for spam detection at the Google I/O developer conference earlier this month. Google now places a Gemini icon in the app tray of Chromebooks for easier access.

What’s more, users purchasing the new Chromebook Plus will receive the Google One AI Premium plan for 12 months. This plan gives them access to Gemini Advanced, 2TB of storage, and Gemini across Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Gmail.

Earlier this year, Google introduced a writing tool in Chrome that helps users write and format text anywhere. The company is now adding this system-wide text rewriting ability to Chromebook Plus devices. Users can select text in PDF files, websites, and web applications to change tone and length.

Google is also adding a tool to Chromebook Plus that allows you to generate wallpapers and backgrounds for video conferencing using suggestions. Last year, the company also added an AI-powered wallpaper creator to Android 14.

Chromebook Plus devices will also get the AI-powered generative magic editor in Google Photos. This feature allows you to move or resize selected objects, and artificial intelligence regenerates the background based on the changes.

Features for all Chromebooks

New budget Chromebook customers and existing Chromebook users will also receive new features. First, Google is making it easier for you to set up your new Chromebook. Now, during setup, you can scan the QR code from your Android phone and your phone will share important details like Wi-Fi credentials and Google account information.

Chromebooks also get useful Tasks integration in the calendar view. You can click the calendar view in the lower right corner and view all your tasks from all Google Workspace apps.

The company is also adding support for saving screen recordings in GIF format and a new gaming dashboard with the ability to map mobile controls to keys.

Upcoming features

Finally, Google is teasing some of the upcoming features coming to Chromebooks soon. Last year, the company introduced an affordable gaming mouse under Project Gameface, which allows gamers to control the device through facial and head movements. It is now working on integrating this feature with ChromeOS to allow users to navigate the interface using gestures.

Chromebooks will also receive Gemini-powered reading summaries for web pages and documents. This feature will allow users to ask questions about documents or articles.

Google will be adding a new continuity feature that will let you resume tasks like reading an article you left off in Chrome on your phone. Once this feature is implemented, every time you open your laptop, your screen will show suggested windows, apps, and tabs that you have left open on other devices.

The company is also working on a focus-related feature. The system will allow you to choose a task, its due date and the YouTube Music playlist to listen to. During this time, it will turn on Do Not Disturb mode to block all notifications.

New devices

Along with the announcement of the new features, Google also announced six new Chromebooks – four Chromebook Plus and two budget Chromebooks – from HP, Acer and Asus. Prices for these Chromebooks range from $299 to $699.