Chromebooks Embrace the Future: A Deep Dive into AI Integration and Exciting New Features

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Chromebooks Set to Embrace AI Advancements

The buzz around artificial intelligence (AI) isn't just limited to a song by Vanessa da Mata but has become the central theme in the tech world for 2024. Microsoft recently unveiled its latest Surface laptops equipped with AI features, joining the ranks of other PC makers such as Samsung, Asus, and Acer, who are also introducing new models designed to leverage AI technology. Google, not to be outdone, showcased its newest AI developments at its annual developer event earlier in May, with plans to integrate these features into Android smartphones in the near future. Furthermore, the anticipation is building for Apple’s upcoming developer conference, where AI is expected to be a hot topic for both iOS and iPadOS devices.

Consequently, with all these developments, it's time for Chromebooks to receive an enhancement through artificial intelligence. Google plans to introduce Gemini, its AI-driven chatbot, across both new and existing Chromebook Plus models.

In the previous year, Google unveiled a new benchmark known as Chromebook Plus, signifying ChromeOS laptops that adhere to certain hardware criteria necessary for utilizing AI functionalities. (The price for Chromebook Plus models generally exceeds $350.) Currently, Google is presenting new owners of Chromebook Plus with a complimentary one-year subscription to the Google One AI Premium plan, which encompasses Gemini Advanced. This premium large language model boasts more capabilities than the no-cost alternative. Several manufacturers of Chromebooks are set to release new models this spring and throughout the year, many of which will be ready to embrace AI advancements.

Here's a look at some of the latest additions heading to ChromeOS.

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Google AI Integration with ChromeOS

Several of these functionalities are unique to Chromebook Plus models, necessitating particular processor and RAM specifications for guaranteed performance standards. At this moment, I am composing this article on the latest HP Chromebook Plus x360, equipped with an Intel Core i3 processor. Despite having over 20 tabs active, the operation remains seamless.

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The initial standout function is called Help Me Write, accessible within any text field. Highlight text anywhere, right-click, and adjacent to the usual context menu, a new option appears. This feature allows you to request Google's AI to either redo the highlighted portion, paraphrase it differently, or alter its tone. My attempt to utilize this on several parts of this article didn't yield satisfactory results, so experiences might differ. Perhaps I possess superior writing skills compared to Google's AI. It's anyone's guess.

Google is introducing a generative AI feature for creating wallpapers in ChromeOS, similar to what's available on Android. This tool is located within the wallpaper settings of ChromeOS, allowing users to produce images based on chosen criteria. Interestingly, this functionality extends to video-calling applications as well. A new menu option appears adjacent to the system tray when both the microphone and video camera are in use. By selecting this option and choosing “Create with AI,” users can craft custom backgrounds for their video calls. While the idea of having a “surreal bicycle made of flowers in pink and purple” as a background might seem peculiar, the option is indeed available thanks to AI.

Here's a handy tool worth noting: the Magic Editor feature within Google Photos. Initially launched on the Pixel 8 smartphones, this capability has now been extended to Chromebook Plus devices. To access it, simply go to the Google Photos app, select a picture, and hit the Edit button to find the Magic Editor option. (Note: You might have to install additional editing tools to begin.) This innovative feature enables users to remove undesired elements from their pictures, reposition subjects within an image, and seamlessly blend backgrounds. I managed to effortlessly eliminate a paint can from a snapshot of my dog, and the process was surprisingly swift.

Gemini also offers its services through a standalone application, allowing users to request various tasks from it. Whether it's crafting a cover letter, simplifying complex subjects, or seeai-allcreator.com">king advice on traveling to a certain country, Gemini is designed to assist. However, it's advisable to review its responses for any inaccuracies. Google is currently promoting an opportunity for new Chromebook Plus buyers to access the advanced version of Gemini for free for a year, provided they claim the offer before the year's end. This promotion is essentially an enhancement of the Google One service, providing users with access to Gemini for Workspace, a generous 2TB of cloud storage, among other benefits.

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Latest Enhancements

If you don't have a Chromebook Plus, there's no need to fret, as all Chromebook users can look forward to some exciting updates. Google has introduced a convenient feature that allows Chromebook setup through an Android phone by simply scanning a QR code. This process transfers the Wi-Fi details from your phone to the computer, eliminating the need to recall and enter your Wi-Fi password manually.

Google's app for managing tasks, Google Tasks, has been seamlessly incorporated into the system tray of ChromeOS. Simply clicking on the date reveals a widget for Google Tasks above the calendar, where you can view your ongoing tasks, mark them off, or add more. Additional updates feature a Game Dashboard, enabling control mapping and gameplay recording with added voice commentary, and the native screen recording function now offers the option to save clips as GIFs.

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At an exclusive event for media showcasing Chromebook updates last week, I had the opportunity to experience several forthcoming features, with Hands-Free Control standing out prominently. This feature integrates Project Gameface, a freely available accessibility tool for Android that Google unveiled at its developer conference. It enables players to manipulate the cursor using facial gestures and head movements, effectively turning their face into a mouse. During the demonstration, I observed an individual effortlessly navigating ChromeOS solely with head and facial movements—tilting their head to close browser tabs, directing the cursor to text fields, and employing speech to input text. Google has indicated that this innovative accessibility functionality will be introduced to Chromebooks in the near future.

Furthermore, a novel "Help Me Read" functionality will be introduced, leveraging Gemini's capabilities, allowing users to request summaries of websites or PDFs simply by right-clicai-allcreator.com">king. Users can also pose additional inquiries via the standard chat interface. For instance, during a demonstration, a participant utilized Gemini to condense a Wikipedia article, subsequently asking specific queries regarding the subject to further extract details, thus eliminating the need to manually search or navigate through the content.

Additionally, a fresh Overview screen will greet users upon accessing their Chromebook, providing a comprehensive display of active browser windows, tabs, and applications. It will also offer recommendations for transferring content to other devices, facilitating a seamless transition from reading a news article on your phone to your laptop.

Latest Chromebooks

Below is a compilation of the latest Chromebooks currently on the market or set to launch shortly. It is important to note, however, that not every model listed is a Chromebook Plus variant, the exclusive line capable of leveraging the newly introduced AI capabilities.

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