Google introduces Chromebook Plus with double performance and AI features

Google says Chromebook Plus devices are aimed at users who are unfamiliar with PC specs and want a powerful laptop that can do it all.

Chromebook Plus | Chromebook Plus specs | Chromebook Plus price | Chromebook Plus features

Google set minimum hardware requirements for the new Chromebook Plus lineup. (Image Source: Google)

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Google has launched a new category of premium laptops called ‘Chromebook Plus’. Developed in partnership with Acer, Asus, HP and Lenovo, Google says these laptops are aimed at users unfamiliar with PC specs and come with faster processors and offer double memory and storage compared to non-Plus variants.

Apart from faster hardware, Google also introduced a bunch of AI-powered features which will be exclusively available to Chromebook Plus users. The tech giant also shared minimum hardware requirements for the new category so they can run productivity tools without any issues.

Chromebook Plus software features

The new Chromebook Plus lineup brings several new software features which will be exclusive to certified devices. For video conferencing, the laptop will now have a dedicated control panel on the bottom to quickly mute or unmute participants and toggle the webcam. Some AI-powered features like noise cancellation, background blur, live captions and improved lighting are also available.

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It looks like Chromebook Plus devices will also borrow some features from Android, adding support for Material You UI and dynamic wallpapers and screensavers.

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If you want to access your files without an internet connection, the tech giant will be enabling automatic file sync for Drive users. Google Photos on Chromebook Plus brings support for Magic Eraser, HDR and portrait blur. The app can also create movies by selecting a bunch of photos and videos.

Magic Eraser is an AI-powered feature that can remove objects from images. (Image Source: Google)

According to a blog post, users who purchase Chromebook Plus will get three months of free Adobe Photoshop and Express and access Nvidia GeForce Now Priority tier cloud gaming service.

Google is also working on a bunch of features that will soon be available to Chromebook Plus users. This includes a new writing assistant that works across websites and an AI-powered wallpaper generator that works using text prompts.

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The tech giant also said that select old Chromebooks will also be eligible for OS update, which includes enhanced features from the Chromebook Plus devices. The update will start rolling out later this month on October 17.

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Chromebook Plus minimum specs

For those interested, if a company wants the ‘Chromebook Plus’ tag, the device should have a 12th Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 7000 series or above CPU, at least 8GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, a Full HD IPS display and a 1080p webcam with Temporal Noise Reduction. Similar to other Chromebooks, it should offer up to 10 hours of battery, but it is still unclear if the powerful hardware can match Google’s expectations.

Google says there are currently 8 Chromebook Plus devices that start from $399 (approx Rs 33,000). They will be available for purchase in the US from October 8, but there is currently no information if the new premium Chromebooks are coming to India.