- Google introduces generative AI features to Chromebook Plus laptops, including text and image generation services.
- The “Help me write” assistant aids users in sentence completion and text rewriting.
- Additional enhancements include AI-driven desktop wallpapers, Magic Editor for Google Photos, and automatic updates starting next month.
- Expansion of the Chromebook Plus lineup with new models like the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714.
- New Plus models come with a complimentary 12-month subscription to Google One AI Premium, offering access to Gemini Advanced and 2TB of cloud storage.
- Google aims to enhance productivity with quality-of-life improvements for ChromeOS users, including QR code provisioning and improved task management.
- Future updates promise features like website summarization, better window and tab management, and seamless cross-device browsing experiences.
Main AI News:
Google is stepping up its game in the AI race, bringing innovative features to Chromebook Plus laptops. In a move to rival Microsoft’s recent AI PC announcements, Google announced on Tuesday a series of generative AI capabilities that will be gradually rolled out to Chromebook Plus devices over the upcoming weeks.
The enhancements encompass various text and image generation services, including Google’s own “Help me write” assistant, seamlessly integrated into the Chrome-based desktop OS of the notebooks. This Clippy-esque assistant, as its name implies, offers suggestions to users on completing sentences and can even assist in rewriting existing text to match specific tones or target audiences.
Moreover, Google is introducing generative AI-powered desktop wallpapers and backgrounds tailored for video calls. Additionally, Google Photos will receive a boost with the introduction of Magic Editor, leveraging machine learning for enhanced editing capabilities. This feature enables automatic selection, resizing, and repositioning of subjects within images and videos.
These exciting generative AI features will be delivered to supported Chromebook Plus machines through automatic updates starting next month. While the Chromebook Plus series already boasts neural network acceleration hardware, questions linger regarding the distribution of machine learning processing between on-device and cloud resources, prompting inquiries to Google for clarification.
Expanding the Chromebook Plus lineup
Expanding its Chromebook Plus lineup, Google announced the addition of new models such as the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714, equipped with an Intel Core Ultra processor featuring built-in AI acceleration. Alongside this, users can expect two budget Chromebooks from HP, Acer, and Asus, further diversifying the Chromebook Plus offerings.
For those acquiring a new Plus model, Google sweetens the deal by bundling a complimentary 12-month subscription to Google One AI Premium. This subscription includes full access to Gemini Advanced, featuring seamless integrations with Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Gmail, along with a generous 2TB of cloud storage.
Elevating productivity with AI Premium
Google’s One AI Premium subscription, priced at $19.99 per month, provides access to Gemini Advanced, a powerful generative assistant designed to offer comprehensive answers by considering contextual information from previous interactions. By offering this subscription as part of the Chromebook Plus package, Google aims to cultivate user engagement, potentially leading to continued adoption beyond the trial period.
Continued enhancements for ChromeOS users
In addition to AI advancements, Google is rolling out several quality-of-life improvements for ChromeOS users. These include the convenience of provisioning Chromebooks using QR codes and supported Android devices, streamlined access to Google Tasks, a dedicated game dashboard, and the capability to convert screen recordings into GIFs effortlessly.
Looking ahead, Google pledges to continuously enrich the Chromebook Plus and regular Chromebook experience with both AI and non-AI features through software updates. Upcoming enhancements include a summarization tool leveraging Google’s Gemini model to distill websites or PDFs into core concepts, improved window and tab management, and seamless cross-device browsing experiences between ChromeOS and Android or iOS devices.
With plans for future updates to incorporate advanced functionalities like face and gesture tracking for device control, Google remains committed to enhancing user productivity and experience across its Chromebook ecosystem.
Conclusion:
Google’s strategic move to integrate advanced AI capabilities into Chromebook Plus laptops underscores its commitment to innovation in the personal computing market. By enhancing user productivity and experience, Google aims to strengthen its position against competitors and further solidify ChromeOS as a viable alternative in the increasingly competitive laptop market.
