Google has introduced a fresh line up of laptops known as Chromebook Plus, starting at a price of $399.. The new Chromebook Plus will include video conferencing enhancements and software updates extending for 10 years, collaboration with Adobe and Lum Touch, which are designed to boost productivity and come with specific hardware requirements and AI-powered features.
Chromebook Plus Specifications
- Chromebook Plus devices start at $399 and are available from Acer, Asus, HP, and Lenovo.
- They come with specific hardware requirements, including an Intel Core i3 12th Gen or higher processor, AMD Ryzen 3 7000 series or higher processor, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, a 1080p webcam with Temporal Noise Reduction, and a high-quality Full HD IPS display.
Chromebook Plus lineup from Google packs in several enhancements focused on improving the video conferencing experience for users. A dedicated control panel makes it easy to manage audio and video with just a click or voice command during calls. Users can enable noise cancellation to reduce background noise, auto-adjust lighting to improve face visibility, apply background blur for privacy, and turn on live captions for ease of understanding. These AI-powered controls streamline technical settings so users can focus on conversations.
Intelligent audio filtering provides high-quality sound by suppressing ambient noise like keyboard clicks and barking dogs. Face Auto-Framing automatically pans and zooms to keep users centered on camera as they move. Touch Noise Suppression eliminates inadvertent sounds when users type or write during video calls to reduce distractions. Together these features aim to deliver premium, optimized video conferencing on Chromebook Plus devices.
In addition to conferencing enhancements, Chromebook Plus comes with exclusive Google Photos editing features for users. Magic Eraser makes it easy to remove unwanted objects and distractions from photos with a simple click. Automatic HDR helps balance light and dark areas for vivid, true-to-life photos. Portrait Blur provides sophisticated background blur to highlight subjects.
Users can also create automatic movies with custom music, animations and effects using Photos’ simple movie editor. From live sharing to automatic creations, Chromebook Plus provides an integrated Google Photos experience not available on other platforms. With tailored video calling features and unique photo editing capabilities, the new Chromebooks aim to be the ideal device for visual communication and creativity
Chromebook Plus devices from Google include a variety of creative software options for users. One of the highlighted apps is Photoshop Express from Adobe, which provides robust photo editing capabilities like layers, filters, easy retouching tools and more in an easy-to-use interface designed for mobile devices.
Also included is Adobe Express, Adobe’s web and mobile app that makes it quick and simple to create standout graphics from templates, as well as easy photo editing and collage creation capabilities. For more advanced video editing on the go, Chromebook Plus comes with LumaFusion from Luma Touch, which provides features like multicam editing, chroma key, and a wide range of video and audio effects.
In addition to the creative apps, Chromebook Plus also comes with a three-month subscription to Nvidia’s GeForce NOW Priority cloud gaming service. This allows users to stream and play high fidelity games without the need for high-end local hardware, opening up access to AAA games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring. With Priority membership, users get extended session lengths up to 6 hours and RTX ON ray tracing support in compatible games for enhanced visuals.
Looking ahead, AI-powered features that will further enhance the Chromebook Plus experience. One is a writing assistant that can work across multiple websites and documents to help by catching typos, generating suggestions, and improving word choice as you type.
Another planned addition is the ability to create custom AI-generated wallpapers and lock screens based on just a text prompt, opening up infinite visual personalization options for users. With its combination of creative apps, cloud gaming, and incoming AI features, the new Chromebook Plus line aims to be a versatile option for users looking for productivity and entertainment on the go
Google has extended its offer of 10 years of software updates to Chromebooks to include older devices that meet the Chromebook Plus profile. Chromebook Plus devices are available in both clamshell and detachable two-in-one form factors. They will go on sale starting October 8 in the US, and October 9 in Canada and Europe.
AI-driven functionalities encompass a writing companion, the creation of wallpapers inspired by prompts, and a user-friendly control hub for effortless management of voice and video settings during video conferences.
Google Photos is also receiving a range of updates on Chromebook Plus, such as Magic Eraser, HDR, portrait blur, and automatic movie creation. Furthermore, every fresh Chromebook Plus unit will include a three-month subscription to Nvidia’s GeForce NOW Priority tier cloud gaming service.