Google Introduces Chromebook Plus: A New Category of Chromebooks

Google has unveiled a new category of Chromebooks called Chromebook Plus with AI-powered features focused on productivity. These laptops come with specific hardware requirements, including a full HD screen, a 1080p camera, and enhanced processing power.

The integration of AI-powered features from Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Express into Chromebook Plus devices is part of Google's effort to ensure these devices can seamlessly run productivity software and incorporate advanced capabilities.

John Maletis, Vice President of ChromeOS Product, Engineering and UX, said in a blog post: "More than 10 years ago, we created Chromebooks to bring you easy-to-use computers that offer reliable performance and unmatched security. Today, we're introducing a new category of Chromebooks that takes the promise even further: Chromebook Plus."

Google Chromebook Plus Features

The Chromebook Plus series features improvements in performance, memory, and storage, offering users more power to accomplish tasks efficiently.

Equipped with a Full HD IPS display, users can enjoy a high-quality viewing experience for streaming content and engaging in various tasks like content creation and photo editing. Additionally, the laptops are equipped with a 1080p+ webcam with temporal noise reduction for enhanced video calls.

These Chromebook Plus laptops adhere to hardware specifications, including an Intel Core i3 12th Gen or above (or an AMD Ryzen 3 7000 series or above), a minimum of 8GB RAM, at least 128GB of storage, and a Full HD IPS display or better.

Video conferencing quality has been a key consideration, and Google is extending premium features from Google Meet to Chromebook Plus. The enhanced camera, processor, and built-in AI improve call clarity, lighting, and background quality for a better conferencing experience across various platforms.

Additionally, Google is bringing AI-powered editing features, such as Magic Eraser, to the built-in Google Photos app on Chromebook Plus. This feature allows users to remove unwanted elements from images effortlessly and provides intelligent scene suggestions.

Chromebook Plus also supports graphically demanding projects, enabling the use of Adobe Photoshop on the web and Adobe Express Premium. Users can easily edit photos and create graphics with the assistance of Adobe's generative AI models.

The new File Sync feature ensures that users can access their Google Drive files even offline, maximizing the 128 GB minimum storage capacity of Chromebook Plus.

Google plans to continually enhance Chromebook Plus with new features, including additional AI capabilities directly integrated into ChromeOS.

Release Date of New Chromebook Plus

Ordering for the new Chromebook Plus laptops will be available in major retailers in the US, including Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, and Target, starting October 8. In Canada and Europe, availability will begin on October 9.

Existing Chromebooks may also receive an OS update to incorporate the enhanced features introduced with Chromebook Plus devices.