In response to Microsoft’s recent launch of AI-enhanced Surface laptops and similar moves by PC makers like Samsung, Asus, and Acer, Google is stepping up its game with AI advancements for ChromeOS. Following the tech giant’s AI showcase at its developer conference in early May, many of these features are set to debut on Android phones.
Google had earlier announced its plans to incorporate Gemini with the Chrome desktop browser, so its inclusion in the Chromebook Plus lineup, known for being more powerful and expensive, was quite expected.
Now Chromebooks are set to receive an AI boost as Google integrates Gemini, its AI chatbot, into Chromebook Plus laptops, both new and existing. The Chromebook Plus designation, introduced last year, marks ChromeOS laptops that meet specific hardware requirements to support these AI features.
Google has added the Gemini icon to the app shelf for quick and easy access. Additionally, new Chromebook Plus purchasers will receive 12 free months of Google One AI Premium, which includes access to the advanced Gemini model, 2TB of cloud storage, and Gemini integration with Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Gmail. New Chromebook models from various manufacturers are expected throughout the year, many designed to leverage these AI enhancements.
A standout feature is Help Me Write, which can be used in any text box. By selecting text and right-clicking, users can access options to rewrite, rephrase, or alter the tone of the text with AI assistance. While this tool has potential, its effectiveness may vary.
The generated content often appears generic, redundant, and similar to what other users might receive, especially for general topics. This tool can also produce factual errors, which require thorough fact-checking and further research. To come up with an engaging final draft, users must perform general editing by adding, rearranging, removing, and rewriting as needed.
ChromeOS also inherits Android’s generative AI wallpaper feature. Users can create custom images based on specific parameters, even during video calls. This feature, accessible via the system tray when the microphone and camera are active, allows for on-the-fly background generation to add a unique touch to video conferencing.
The Magic Editor in Google Photos, initially available on Pixel 8 smartphones, is now accessible on Chromebook Plus laptops. This tool allows for advanced photo editing, including erasing unwanted objects, repositioning subjects, and filling backgrounds. It enhances the photo editing experience by making complex adjustments simple and efficient.
Gemini, available as a standalone app, offers versatile assistance, from writing cover letters to breaking down complex topics and providing travel tips. As mentioned, new Chromebook Plus owners can access the advanced Gemini model free for 12 months, which also includes Google One Workspace benefits and 2TB of cloud storage.
Non-Chromebook Plus users won’t miss out entirely, as several new features are coming to all Chromebooks. These include:
Chromebooks can now be set up using an Android phone via a QR code, streamlining the sharing of Wi-Fi credentials.
The Google Tasks app is now integrated into ChromeOS’s system tray, which provides quick access to task management.
A new Game Dashboard allows for control mapping and gameplay recording with voice-over. Additionally, the built-in screen recorder now supports saving recordings as GIFs.
This upcoming feature, demonstrated at a recent Chromebook event, uses Project Gameface, an open-source accessibility tool, to let users control the cursor with facial gestures and head movements.
Leveraging Gemini, this feature allows users to summarise websites or PDFs and ask follow-up questions via a chat interface to enhance information accessibility.
A new Overview screen will display recently opened browser windows, tabs, and apps, along with suggestions for sharing content across devices to ensure seamless transitions between devices.
With these updates, Google is transforming Chromebooks into versatile, future-proof devices adaptable to diverse tasks and needs. This strategic initiative keeps Google ahead of competitors and establishes a new benchmark for laptop innovation and performance.
