Google's fall Chromebook showcase brings Samsung's first Chromebook Plus model

Google has revealed a handful of new AI features for Chromebooks and has announced a small smattering of fresh Chromebook models, including Samsung's very first Chromebook Plus offering, along with a new Duet from Lenovo. ChromeOS users can also expect a new button to replace the Search key with new devices offering a Quick Insert key to access your most used content, even from Drive, starting with the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus that claims to be the thinnest and lightest Chromebook Plus model yet.

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Samsung's first Chromebook Plus is here

The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus looks to be the headliner from Google's recent fall showcase, and it is Samsung's very first Chromebook Plus model, bringing with it all of the perks expected of the moniker. It weighs 2.58 pounds and claims to be the thinnest and lightest Chromebook Plus model, which is believable considering how thin this sucker is at less than half an inch. An Intel Core 3 100U (Raptor Lake-R) comes along for the ride, paired with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. The screen clocks in at 15.6 inches while keeping bezels to a minimum, and battery life is promised to hit the 13-hour mark, which sounds remarkable for an Intel chip. Availability starts this month; pricing has yet to be revealed.

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus

The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus is the company's first Chromebook Plus model, and it's also the thinnest and lightest Chromebook yet while still packing a 15-inch screen. It's also the first Chromebook model to offer Google's new Quick Insert key. It runs on an Intel Core 3 100U, all the while promising up to 13 hours of battery life.

Lenovo's new Chromebook Duet 3 makes its appearance

The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 (2024) may be a mouthful for a name (one that is incredibly confusing since this is not, in fact, the third Duet but the seventh), but there is no denying the size and detachable display allow this device to be incredibly portable. Once again, the pen is sold separately, but since the Chromebook supports USI 2.0, you can use any supported pen of your choosing, which is great if you already have one.

You can expect improved palm rejection for the 11-inch screen, along with an improved kickstand. The device will ship with a MediaTek Kompanio 838 processor powering the detachable, with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The cameras are also improved, with an 8MP in the rear and a 5MP in the front. Much like the Samsung, the release date is still unknown, though we do know the 4GB RAM model will cost $339.99, and the 8GB RAM model will cost $389.99.

Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 (2024)

The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 (2024) is the latest Duet to hit shelves, and this time around you can expect improved palm rejection, an improved kickstand, and improved cameras. The device packs a MediaTek Kompanio 838 processor, with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB storage.

More AI features are here, many coming to standard Chromebooks

What Chromebook Plus users can expect

Source: Google

AI, of course, Google is adamant about adding AI everywhere it can, and that certainly includes Chromebook Plus models. So, for the fall showcase, we've learned that the Help me Read function will allow for text highlighting sometime next year. Live Translate will also be coming, whether you want to translate YouTube videos on the fly or hold a video conversation with family that can't speak your native language. Chromebook Plus users can also expect the appearance of a Recorder app to easily capture audio from the comfort of their Chromebook. Appearance enhancers will be coming to Plus models and can be used in any video chat app/service, with one that lights up your face using AI, all without the need for more lighting, which truly looks handy.

What standard Chromebook users can expect

Source: Google

The biggest news is that the Gemini PWA is coming to all Chromebooks, finally leaving its Chromebook Plus cage to mingle with the masses on standard Chromebooks. Also, anyone who picks up a standard Chromebook can also get three free months of Google One AI Premium, which just so happens to come with Gemini Advance, which means whether you purchase a standard Chromebook or a Chromebook Plus, you can now expect a free trial of Google one Premium and Gemini Advanced, ensuring everyone can get a proper taste of Gemini.

Source: Google

Another interesting feature works a lot like a video game that reminds you of what you accomplished the last time you played. In a similar fashion, Chromebook users will be treated to a screen that literally recaps where they left off the last time they used the laptop. File pinning for the home screen, ensuring you won't lose your files. There's even a new Focus mode that lets you choose a soundscape while letting you set a time limit for the Do Not Disturb mode.

Will Google's push for AI across all Chromebooks appeal to consumers?

Only time will tell

Clearly, Google wants anyone and everyone using its AI tools, whether that's through Gemini or the assortment of extra features across its products. When Chromebook Plus was announced earlier in the year, it came with trial access to Gemini Advanced, which also came to Pixel devices at their launch, and today, we learn regular Chromebooks are also part of this trial. Ideally, this will mean more people using Gemini. Add on top all of the other AI features coming to Chromebooks, and AI certainly looks like it will be part of our workflows soon enough, if it isn't already. Still, one has to wonder if AI perks are reason enough to splash out on a Chromebook, will Google's plan to get everyone using AI actually work out. Only time will tell, but in the meantime, it's an exciting time to be a Chromebook user with so many interesting devices and features coming our way.

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