Google is significantly enhancing its Chromebook Plus lineup with a robust set of AI-powered features aimed at improving productivity, learning, and creativity.
Highlights
- Smart Tools for Everyday Use: New screen selection, content summarization, and writing assistant tools offer on-device AI assistance for productivity and learning.
- “Simplify” AI Mode: Summarizes complex content like technical docs and academic papers—ideal for students and knowledge workers.
- One-Year AI Pro Plan Included: New Chromebook Plus devices include Google’s $240/year AI Pro subscription (Gemini, Flow, Whisk, and 2TB cloud storage).
- Hardware Boost with Lenovo Collaboration: New Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 debuts with an OLED screen, 12–16GB RAM, AI tools, and MediaTek Kompanio Ultra chip.
- Competitive Pricing: Starts at $349—significantly undercutting Microsoft Copilot+ and iPad Pro models ($999+), making it ideal for education and budget-conscious users.
- Integrated AI Experience: Native tools like Magic Editor, Help Me Write, AI wallpapers, OCR search, and smart document handling make AI feel seamless and accessible.
- Minimum AI-Ready Specs: All Chromebook Plus models now require 8GB RAM, a Core i3 or Ryzen 3 CPU, and 1080p webcam for consistent AI performance.
These updates—spanning from intelligent content simplification to exclusive bundled software—position Chromebook Plus as a compelling choice for users looking for affordable, AI-enhanced computing.
Smarter Tools for Everyday Use
At the heart of the update is a new screen selection tool, inspired by Android’s “Circle to Search” feature.
Chromebook users can now long-press the launcher key or use the screenshot function to select on-screen content for contextual interactions—whether it’s searching a term, copying information, or even creating calendar events directly from highlighted text.
Another standout feature is the “Simplify” tool, designed to help users digest complex content. Powered by AI, it can summarize or explain dense web pages, technical documents, or academic material—useful for students, professionals, or anyone working with information-heavy content.
Google is also expanding its writing assistant tools, accessible via the “Quick Insert” key introduced last year. These tools enable users to quickly generate, refine, or edit text with AI assistance—streamlining tasks like email drafting, report writing, or note-taking.
AI Pro Plan Now Included
To add even more value, all new Chromebook Plus devices will now include a one-year subscription to Google’s AI Pro plan—a bundle typically priced at $240 annually. This subscription unlocks,
- Gemini AI assistant
- Flow video editing platform
- Whisk image-to-video conversion tool
- Gemini integrations in Gmail, Docs, and Chrome
- 2TB of Google cloud storage
Hardware Enhancements and Exclusive Perks
Google has partnered with Lenovo to introduce device-specific features on the new Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14.
This ARM-powered model includes AI-assisted document and tab management, plus an upgraded Gallery app with tools like background removal and custom sticker creation. It also come with,
- OLED touchscreen
- MediaTek Kompanio Ultra chip
- 12GB or 16GB RAM
- Pricing: $649 and $749 respectively
These features complement the platform’s broader promise of delivering consistent AI performance. All Chromebook Plus devices now meet minimum hardware standards—such as 8GB RAM, a Core i3 or Ryzen 3 processor, and a 1080p webcam—ensuring a smooth experience across AI workloads.
Competitive Pricing in the AI Laptop Market
With Chromebook Plus devices starting at just $349, they present a highly accessible entry point to AI-enhanced computing.
This contrasts with competitors like Microsoft’s Copilot+ PCs (starting at $999) and the iPad Pro (also $999), giving Google a significant price advantage for schools, students, and budget-conscious professionals.
Analysts have noted that AI functionality on Chromebook Plus feels “deep in the system”—with tools like Help Me Write, Magic Editor, OCR search, and AI-generated wallpapers integrated natively into the OS.
These features can be activated through simple gestures like right-clicking or using the launcher, making AI more intuitive and less like a bolted-on experience.
Industry reports, including from Canalys, highlight that Chromebook Plus is now among the most cost-effective, AI-integrated laptop lines available—especially for the education and enterprise sectors.
