Regardless of the video call application utilized, Chromebook Plus laptops have been upgraded with studio-style microphone options designed to better isolate the user’s voice and minimize background noise. Additionally, appearance enhancements have been added to brighten the face or adjust the lighting during video calls.
These features, excluding Quick Insert, are exclusive to Chromebook Plus machines, which adhere to a stringent hardware specification established by Google last year. This standard aims to ensure a high level of quality for these Chromebooks, which start at approximately $350. Meanwhile, Google has not ignored users of non-Chromebook Plus laptops.
Several new features are being introduced to all Chromebooks that remain supported. Welcome Recap provides users an overview of where they left off, displaying an image of the last webpage visited and all other active applications, facilitating a quick resumption of work. Focus mode, which was first introduced on Android phones, is now integrated into ChromeOS. This feature enables users to turn on Do Not Disturb and silence notifications to concentrate better. Additionally, YouTube Music has been integrated to play soundscapes that can help set the right mood. The launcher tray now includes a section for pinning specific files for quick access, and ChromeOS will suggest recently opened Google Docs or Slides.
In a surprising update, Google’s Gemini chatbot is now accessible on all Chromebooks, a feature that was previously exclusive to Chromebook Plus models. However, Google will offer only three months of free access to the Google One AI Premium Plan for users who purchase a new Chromebook, which includes access to Gemini Advanced. Chromebook Plus buyers will continue to receive this benefit for 12 months.
Alongside these software updates, new hardware is also being introduced. Lenovo has released an updated version of the Lenovo Duet, a portable laptop that has been well-regarded in previous iterations. This 2-in-1 detachable laptop features an 11-inch 2K screen and includes a keyboard for use in non-tablet mode. Google has improved the palm rejection models in ChromeOS for a better drawing experience with a stylus on this device.
The Lenovo Duet is powered by a MediaTek Kompanio 838 processor with 8 GB of RAM. Although it is not a Chromebook Plus model and may not deliver high performance, it is suitable for word processing and handling a few Chrome tabs. It offers 128 GB of storage, an 8-megapixel rear camera, and a 5-megapixel front camera, all priced at $349.
Additionally, Samsung has introduced the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus, their first Chromebook Plus laptop, and it stands out as the thinnest and lightest model to date, weighing only 2.58 pounds despite its 15.6-inch screen. For comparison, a 15-inch MacBook Air weighs 3.3 pounds. This clamshell device features an OLED display and is powered by an Intel Core 3 100U processor, accompanied by 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage.
Both of these new laptops will be available starting in October.
