Chromebook Plus devices were born as a response to the extra productivity and entertainment needs of many people. They offer more powerful tech specs compared to regular Chromebooks. In line with this, Chromebook Plus computers are getting some new exclusive AI-powered features.
New AI-powered features for Chromebook Plus laptops
First, Chromebook Plus laptop users will enjoy a Recorder app. The power of artificial intelligence will enable real-time transcriptions and summaries for recordings. The feature uses Gemini Nano to work completely locally. There is also a new “Help me read” option available from the right-click menu.
“Help me read” brings up a floating window that includes a “Summarize” button and an “Ask a question” text box. The latter will allow you to ask follow-up questions regarding what you are reading. A future update will enable “Ask a Question” to highlight specific sentences or paragraphs in your question.
Chromebook Plus users will also receive “Live Translate.” If you’re a Pixel Phone user, this feature will be familiar to you. You’ll be able to use it anytime on multimedia content with audio and video. Live Translate will support videos (local and online) and video conferences, which can make things much easier when talking to people in other countries. Live Translate supports over 100 languages.
Better audio and video quality for meetings thanks to AI
Google also turned to the power of AI to boost audio and video quality during video calls. There’s a new “Studio-style mic” feature that promises to deliver crystal-clear audio by reducing noise and room reverberation. The company claims that the feature is built on “AI-based high-quality mic simulation” technology. Meanwhile, “Appearance effects” tweak video parameters like lighting and brightness to deliver a clearer picture.
Google will begin rolling out the new Chromebook Plus features in October. Users will receive them gradually with the ChromeOS 129 and 130 updates.
Normal Chromebooks are getting some new features too
Notably, regular Chromebooks are also getting some new features. There’s a “Welcome Recap” that “opens your previous windows and apps.” It also offers potentially useful suggestions for your day. Suggestions may include upcoming calendar appointments, weather, file tips, etc. “Welcome Recap” is also accessible from the Overview mode.
The Quick Settings area is getting a new “Focus” tile for all Chromebook users. The tile lets you quickly enable Do Not Disturb mode for a specific period of time. This is ideal if you need to get away from distractions while you get some work done. You can even play a calming YouTube Music playlist from the tile.
There’s also a new Gemini PWA shortcut that will make it easier to access the feature. Lastly, all new Chromebook purchases will include three months of Google One AI Premium. The latter does not apply to Chromebook Plus devices, as they already include one year of the subscription.