Google introduces Chromebook Plus brand for faster ChromeOS laptops

Google introduces its Chromebook Plus brand. Chromebook Plus laptops feature faster hardware and are the first to get new functionality. Google mentions ‘AI functionality’, which runs partly on the system itself and partly in the cloud.

Chromebook Plus laptops must meet a set of specific hardware requirements. It must have a Core i3 processor of at least the twelfth generation or an AMD Ryzen 3 processor of the 7000 series. Core i3 processors with only E-cores, such as the N300 and N305, also count.

In addition, the Chromebooks must have at least 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It must include a 1080p camera with support for temporal noise reduction. The resolution of the screen must also be at least 1920×1080 pixels and it must be an IPS panel or better. Furthermore, the hardware requirements that Google imposes on all other Chromebooks also apply. For example, there must be at least Wi-Fi 6, the USB-C connection must be multifunctional and the battery life must be at least ten hours in Google’s own test. Older Chromebooks that meet the Plus label requirements also receive the functionality that the new Plus laptops get.

What exactly the functionality for the Chromebook Plus laptops entails is less concrete than the hardware requirements. For example, Google is adding the magic eraser to the Google Photos app, making it easy to remove elements from an image or add things using AI based on prompts. The magic eraser uses Google’s computing power in the cloud, but ‘where it makes sense’, Google wants to run the functionality locally. It won’t stop there, as Google will continue to add AI functionality.

As an example, Google showed the possibility of having AI write pieces, such as a post on social media. You will also be able to generate wallpapers based on prompts that you can use as a background image on the desktop, but also as a background image during video calling. Google said the new AI functionality is exclusive to Chromebook Plus laptops “for now,” but could come to non-Plus Chromebooks later.

Acer, ASUS, HP and Lenovo will release Chromebook Plus laptops. From October 8, most of those Chromebooks will be available in the Benelux for prices starting from 450 euros. Only Lenovo’s Chromebooks will follow later.