Google adds AI features to Chromebook Plus devices

Google integrates powerful AI into Chromebook Plus, boosting its functionality greatly.

: Google has enhanced its Chromebook Plus devices with a set of new AI capabilities aimed at improving productivity and user experience. Some of the notable features include a screen selection tool for seamless searching and text capturing, along with NotebookLM. The devices also feature a 'Simplify' function that leverages AI to clarify and condense selected texts, delivering built-in sophistication to users. New owners of these devices are offered a one-year Google AI Pro subscription, which provides comprehensive tools and resources, elevating the Chromebook Plus experience.

Google has rolled out a suite of Gemini-powered AI features exclusively for Chromebook Plus devices, debuting first on Lenovo’s new 14‑inch Chromebook Plus. These enhancements include “select to search” for image or text queries, AI‑based text simplification, and direct integration with Google Workspace apps for smart actions like auto‑populating calendar invites or docs.

A physical "Gemini button" replaces the traditional Caps Lock key on Chromebook Plus models, providing quick access to AI‑generated images within the Quick Insert menu. Google also introduced smart grouping to intelligently organize tabs and documents based on user activity, alongside new image‑editing tools in the Gallery app for tasks like background removal and sticker creation.

Lenovo’s 14‑inch model, powered by a MediaTek Kompanio Ultra chip capable of 50 TOPS, boasts premium hardware—OLED display, Dolby Atmos audio, Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, fingerprint sensor, and up to 17 hours battery life. It starts at $649 for 12 GB RAM and $749 for 16 GB configurations, shipping with a one‑year Google AI Pro subscription.

All Chromebook Plus purchases now include a free 12‑month Google AI Pro plan—worth about $240—featuring Gemini 2.5 Pro, the Veo 3 video generator, NotebookLM on the shelf, and 2 TB of cloud storage. Google has also optimized apps like Luminar (free for three months) and Netflix’s Squid Game: Unleashed for keyboard/mouse use on Chromebooks.

These updates reflect Google’s strategy to push on‑device AI deeply into Chromebooks, positioning them as smart productivity tools rather than basic web machines. With AI tightly integrated across hardware, software, and services, the Chromebook Plus line is set to appeal to students, remote workers, and creative users alike.

Sources: The Verge, Economic Times, TechCrunch, Google Blog, PhoneArena

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