This Tuesday, Google continues its investment in AI with the announcement of even more Gemini-powered features coming to Chromebooks. Back in May, Google launched a slew of new Chromebooks with its generative AI tools.
With the latest announcement, Google is debuting two new Chromebooks, including a Samsung Chromebook Plus that comes in a sleek, thin package.
New Chromebooks
This launch brings an expansion of features across all Chromebooks. Now, all models will incorporate Chat with Gemini, but Chromebook Plus models are getting even more. New tools include Help me read, Live Translate, and a Quick Insert key.
Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11-inch
With an 11-inch screen, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet focuses on portability. The compact size, the same as the smallest iPad Air model, is easy to throw in any back. Plus, it's a 2-in-1 style laptop. The kickstand and detachable keyboard allows you to use it as a tablet. It's compatible with USI 2.0 styluses, but unfortunately, it doesn't come with a pen. It has 8GB RAM and 128GB SSD. Like other tablets, it includes two cameras, a front-facing camera of 5MP and a back-facing camera of 8MP.
It costs $349 and will be available in October 2024.
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus
This launch also debuts Samsung's first Chromebook Plus. Like the Lenovo, it emphasizes portability, measuring 11.8 mm in thickness and weighing just 2.58 pounds despite its 15.6-inch screen. It has 8GB RAM with 256GB SSD as well as an Intel Core 3 100U processor. Outfit with all of the new Gemini features announced at this launch, it's a promising debut in the Chromebook line-up.
While we haven't gotten our hands on the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus, it's hard not to compare it to the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch model, which starts with 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD, just like Samsung's Chromebook Plus. However, Samsung's is even lighter, measuring about .8 pounds less and 4mm slimmer. Despite their similar stature, that says nothing of how the two compare in processing — something we'll just have to measure ourselves.
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook will be available in October 2024 and costs $699 — $600 less than the MacBook Air (M3) 15-inch laptop.
New Chromebook Plus features
The new Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus highlights the latest features Google is unveiling, however, all Chromebook Plus models will eventually see the latest updates. All of these features will be available through automatic updates coming later in October. Here's are the new features to expect:
Quick Insert key: Now included on keyboards, you'll find the Quick Insert Key, which launches a menu of shortcuts like Help me write, emojis and GIFs, recently visited links, and Google Drive integrations. The Quick Insert key is coming to the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus to start, but will eventually be available on all Chromebook Plus models next year. Users on standard Chromebooks can use the keyboard shortcut (Launcher Key + F) to access the same menu.
Help me read: Google's Help me write composes emails and more to help you sound more eloquent and now the Help me read tool, summarizes anything you need to read, including PDFs and websites. To access the Help me read tool, just give the mouse a right click, and you'll receive a bulleted summary of the most important takeaways.
Recorder app: This AI-powered tool automatically creates transcriptions on Google Meet, Zoom, and more. It automatically detects different speakers while capturing the audio.
Built-in video call features: To make all your digital meetings better, two new features boost your mic and video quality. A studio-style mic reduces background noise to deliver clearer audio. Plus appearance effects adjust brightness and lighting for an enhanced look. Essentially, it makes you look like you have a professional ring light look without actually having one.
Live Translate: Using AI, Google now automatically produces like translations for whatever you're doing, whether it be video calls, files, YouTube videos, or livestreams. It's currently available in over 100 languages.
New features on all Chromebooks
Chat with Gemini: To access Gemini chat, you no longer need to open up the browser, as it comes pinned to the Chromebook shelf.
Google One AI Premium plan at no cost for three months: This plans provides access to Gemini advanced. Chromebook Plus purchases come with 12 months of the plan.
Welcome Recap: When you log back into your Chromebook, the Welcome Recap tells you exactly where you left off and provides suggestions on meetings you need to join and sites you were last browsing.
Focus mode: Essentially a more advanced 'Do Not Disturb', Focus mode blocks out notifications and lets you create the perfect environment to get work done. You can choose a set amount of time for your study time and even play soundscapes and white noise.
