Google is rolling out new AI and gaming features for Chromebook Plus, enhancing the user experience with advanced tools and integrations. Priced below Rs 40,000, these laptops will now come equipped with several innovative features designed to improve productivity and creativity.Chromebook Plus users will benefit from integrated Google AI features aimed at making tasks easier and more efficient. One standout feature, “Help me write,” uses Google AI to assist with writing tasks across various platforms, including websites, PDFs, and web apps. Users can generate text from prompts, rewrite existing text to fit different tones or formats, and receive suggestions to enhance their writing.
In addition to writing assistance, Chromebook Plus introduces generative AI wallpaper and video call backgrounds. These features allow users to create customised backgrounds for video calls, with a range of prompts to choose from, ensuring a personalised and professional look for any setting.
The Magic Editor, a new feature in Google Photos, is now available exclusively on Chromebook Plus. This tool simplifies photo editing by allowing users to reposition, resize, and enhance objects within their photos with just a few taps. Contextual suggestions help improve lighting and backgrounds, making photo editing accessible and straightforward.
Gemini, another innovative addition, offers users a powerful brainstorming and planning assistant right on their home screen. Accessible via a simple tap, Gemini helps with writing, learning, and planning tasks. To further support users, Google is offering a complimentary 12-month subscription to the Google One AI Premium plan, which includes Gemini Advanced, 2TB of storage, and integration with Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Gmail.
Google is also launching new features that integrate seamlessly across all Chromebooks. One notable update is the simplified setup process with Android phones. Users can set up their Chromebooks by scanning a QR code, which transfers Wi-Fi credentials and Google account information directly from their phones, eliminating the need to manually enter long passwords.
A new built-in view of Google Tasks allows users to manage their to-dos efficiently. By tapping the date on the home screen, users can access and update their tasks from various Google Workspace apps and devices, ensuring they stay organized and on track.For those interested in gaming, the new Game Dashboard enhances the gaming experience by allowing users to map mobile game controls to their keyboards. This feature is available on the new Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE, which is now on sale in the U.S.
Google has plans to continuously update Chromebooks with new features. Upcoming additions include “Help me read with Gemini,” which will summarize websites and PDFs and provide AI-generated answers to follow-up questions. Users can also look forward to improved multitasking with a feature that displays previously open windows, tabs, and apps upon login.
Other future updates include the “Focus” feature, which combines Do Not Disturb mode with task management and YouTube Music playlists to help users concentrate on important tasks. Additionally, AI-powered hands-free control with face and gesture tracking is in development, aiming to make Chromebooks more accessible by allowing users to navigate and control their devices without a keyboard.
With these enhancements, Google is set to make Chromebooks more versatile and user-friendly, catering to a wide range of needs from productivity to creativity and gaming.
Deepak Sen is a tech enthusiast who covers the latest technological innovations, from AI to consumer gadgets. His articles provide readers with a glimpse into the ever-evolving world of technology.
