In late Could I had the possibility to go to Google’s New York Metropolis workplaces for a sneak peak at some new generative AI options coming to Chromebook PLUS units later this yr.
As a full-time Chromebook person, I’m at all times excited when ChromeOS will get distinctive options that aren’t out there on different working methods. Google ought to proceed strengthening the connection between its companies like Gmail, Drive, and Gemini with the ChromeOS working system. Built-in options like this that make Chromebooks really feel extra highly effective and polished.
Let’s check out the newest generative AI options coming to ChromeOS.
Coming to Chromebook Plus Gadgets Solely!
The brand new AI options listed beneath will solely be out there for Chromebook Plus units. Google launched the “Plus” line of Chromebooks final fall. These units are extra highly effective and designed for skilled use. However don’t confuse “highly effective” with “dear.” Chromebook Plus units begin at lower than $500.
Chromebook Plus units are good for academics who want a bigger display, sooner processor to run ALL the tabs, a full measurement, back-lit keyboard, and distinctive construct high quality.
The 2 Chromebooks I exploit proper now, the Asus CX4500 and the HP x360, are each plus units. I received’t buy something that isn’t a plus gadget.
Acer, Asus, and HP are all asserting new and refreshed plus units that shall be out there this yr. In case your district is giving Chromebooks to academics, make certain they’re plus units!
Okay, now that we’ve acquired that out of the way in which, let’s try the brand new AI options that shall be rolling out to those plus units.
Associated put up: Google Gemini for Training has landed!
Generative AI Wallpapers and Meet Backgrounds
Now you can use Gemini to generate wallpaper to your Chromebook desktop or your subsequent Google Meet session. I’ve to admin that I give little or no thought to my desktop wallpaper, so I’m most likely not the goal marketplace for this characteristic!
However, should you’re into the sort of factor…get pleasure from!
Assist Me Write…anyplace!
The following characteristic is one thing I’ll undoubtedly use. Gemini’s writing assistant will quickly be out there in any textual content discipline whenever you use a plus Chromebook.
That is much like a characteristic for Gmail and Docs that you will have entry to in your private Gmail account. What makes this replace distinctive is the power to generate prompt concepts and writing enhancements with out leaving your process. No must pop open Gemini or Chat GPT in a separate tab. Merely spotlight some textual content and use the right-click menu to open the “assist me write” window. You will note choices to shorten, broaden, rephrase, and many others.
This characteristic will solely be out there for customers who’re 18+ and could be managed by means of the Google Admin Console.
I’d use this characteristic to rephrase a fragile e mail to a mother or father, simplify the language of a classroom assignments, or convert my Google Classroom announcement right into a Taylor Swift tune.
Assist me learn
Not all in favour of studying that lengthy article? No downside! Gemini can now summarize data for you in a number of clicks. What’s much more attention-grabbing is that you may additionally ask Gemini questions concerning the web page you’re viewing. It’s like having your individual private AI assistant!
This characteristic shall be rolling out to Chromebook plus units later this summer season.
Magic Editor on Google Photographs
The final massive AI enhancement that was introduced in New York is a set of generative AI photograph enhancing options for Google Photographs. The magic editor consists of the power to erase individuals and objects from a busy photograph, transfer topics inside the photograph, and a few particular colour changes. These options are already out there on choose Pixel telephones and shortly they are going to be out there by means of the Google Picture Android app in your Plus Chromebook!
I used the magic editor options to scrub up a few of our household photographs and it’s superior!
Pricing and Availability
These new generative AI options shall be out there for brand new and current Chromebook Plus units for 12 months at no cost. After that, Gmail customers can improve to the Gemini Google 1 tier for $19.99/month.
Associated Put up: Google Workspace for Training: Improve choices
Lecturers on managed Chromebook Plus units will obtain entry to those new AI options primarily based on coverage settings configured within the Google Admin console. Your IT division might want to allow these options utilizing new admin controls that shall be out there later this yr.
