Google has introduced a new type of Chromebook called Chromebook Plus, which offers improved performance and AI capabilities. Last month, Google also revealed plans to extend Chromebook support for 10 years.
Built-in Google Apps and Powerful AI
The Chromebook Plus comes with built-in Google apps and robust AI features. It includes tools like Google Photos Magic Eraser and Adobe Photoshop on the web to enhance productivity.
Google describes it as a laptop that optimizes hardware performance through software apps and tools. Google worked closely with partners like Acer, ASUS, HP, and Lenovo to ensure a guaranteed level of performance.
Google Meet Features and Improved App Performance
Google is extending premium features from Google Meet to Chromebook Plus. This improves call clarity, lighting, cancels background noise, and blurs backgrounds in various video conferencing apps.
With its enhanced power, Chromebook Plus runs Google apps and creative tools like Adobe Photoshop and LumaFusion smoothly.
Chromebook Plus enables users to work on graphics-intensive projects in tools like Adobe Photoshop on the web and Adobe Express Premium, powered by Adobe’s creative generative AI models.
Magic Eraser and File Sync Feature
Google has integrated Magic Eraser’s AI-powered editing into the built-in Google Photos app on Chromebook Plus. It helps remove distractions from photos and provides intelligent scene suggestions. The app also offers enhanced editing features like HDR effects and portrait blur.
Chromebook Plus introduces a File Sync feature that keeps Google Drive files accessible, even offline, thanks to the ample storage.
Upcoming Features in 2024
Google plans to continuously add new features to Chromebook Plus, including AI capabilities integrated into ChromeOS.
This will make drafting and refining shorter-form content easier and even allow for image generation and personalized wallpapers.
Chromebook Plus will soon support generative AI backgrounds for video calls across various apps.
Quick specifications: Google Chromebook Plus
- Display: FHD IPS display
- CPU: Intel Core i3 12th Gen or above, or AMD Ryzen 3 7000 series or above
- RAM: 8GB or more
- Storage: 128GB or more
- Battery: Up to 10h battery life
- Web camera: 1080p+ with Temporal Noise Reduction
- Apps: Google Play Store, Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides; Microsoft 365; Photoshop and Adobe Express, LumaFusion
- AI Tools: Magic Eraser, Noise, and blur backgrounds
- Security: Built-In Titan C2 chip
Pricing and Availability
Starting from October 8, 2023, you can purchase the new Chromebook Plus laptops from major U.S. retailers, with prices starting at USD 399 (Rs. 33,190 approx.). Availability in Canada and Europe begins on October 9, 2023.
Additionally, some existing Chromebooks will receive OS updates to include the enhanced features of Chromebook Plus in the coming weeks.
Commenting on the launch, John Maletis, Vice President, ChromeOS Product, Engineering and UX, said:
Over a decade ago, we launched Chromebooks with the aim of providing user-friendly computers that deliver reliable performance and unparalleled security. Today, we’re excited to unveil a new breed of Chromebooks that elevates this commitment to a whole new level: the Chromebook Plus. Doubling the performance, the Chromebook Plus comes with integrated Google apps and robust AI capabilities.