Google announced a wave of upgrades for Chromebooks, aiming to enhance productivity and elevate the gaming experience. These updates include built-in Google AI features, deeper Gemini integration, and a new Gaming Dashboard.
Built-in Google AI Features:
- Help me write: This feature leverages Google AI to offer suggestions and adjust the tone of your writing across various platforms. Simply right-click to generate text from scratch or refine existing content.
- Generative AI Wallpaper and Video Call Backgrounds: Create personalized and professional video call backgrounds with the help of AI.
- Magic Editor on Google Photos: Chromebook Plus users can now enjoy exclusive access to Magic Editor, simplifying photo editing within Google Photos.
Gemini Integration:
- Seamless access: Chromebook Plus users gain direct access to Gemini, Google’s powerful AI assistant, from their home screen for tasks like planning and writing.
- Complimentary subscription: New Chromebook Plus users receive a free 12-month subscription to Google One AI Premium, including Gemini Advanced and 2TB of storage.
New Features for All Chromebooks:
- Simple Setup with Android Phone: Effortlessly set up your new Chromebook using your Android phone, eliminating the need for manual credential entry.
- One-Click Access to Google Tasks: Manage tasks across Google Workspace apps and devices with ease through Google Tasks integration.
- Seamless GIF Screen Recording: Capture and save screen recordings in GIF format for effortless sharing.
Game Dashboard for Chromebooks:
- Enhanced Gaming Experience: The new Game Dashboard allows for control customization and easy sharing options, improving the overall Chromebook gaming experience.
- Broad Game Support: It supports various games, from Android titles to AAA titles, offering features like:
- Game Controls: Play touch-centric Android games using keyboard mappings.
- Game Capture: Record and share gameplay without interrupting your game.
- Works with Certified Accessories: Chromebook gaming can be further enhanced with certified accessories like the SteelSeries Aerox 3 mouse.
Future Updates Teased by Google:
- Help Me Read with Gemini: Summarize content and get AI-generated answers for a deeper understanding.
- Seamless Continuation Across Devices: Resume tasks effortlessly across devices and operating systems.
- Focus Mode: Improve concentration with automatic Do Not Disturb mode and task countdown.
- Intuitive AI Control: ChromeOS integrates face and gesture tracking for hands-free interaction, making Chromebook more accessible for users with disabilities or those who prefer a hands-free experience.
- Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714: This slim and versatile convertible Chromebook boasts features like Gemini integration within Google Docs and Adobe Photoshop, making it perfect for on-the-go productivity.
- Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE: Tailored for gamers, this Chromebook features NVIDIA GeForce NOW cloud gaming and high-performance hardware for smooth gameplay.
Availability:
Existing Chromebooks will receive these updates automatically within the next week. The new Acer Chromebook Plus models are available for purchase starting this month.
