Chromebooks Get Gemini AI with On-Device Features First
▼ Summary
– Google is introducing new AI features for Chromebooks, including image generation and text summarization, with some exclusive to high-end models like Lenovo’s.
– Chromebook Plus devices will gain features like expanded Lens functionality for visual search, text capture, and integration with Google Calendar and Docs.
– The Quick Insert key now supports AI-generated images alongside its existing photo and emoji insertion capabilities.
– Help Me Read and Summarize features use Gemini to simplify long documents and technical text, but these AI tools are limited to more powerful Chromebooks.
– Chromebook Plus buyers receive a 12-month free trial of Google AI Pro, including 2TB storage, Gemini Pro access, and NotebookLM Pro integration.
Chromebook users are about to experience a significant AI upgrade as Google rolls out powerful new features exclusively for Chromebook Plus devices. These enhancements bring advanced capabilities like image generation, text summarization, and enhanced visual search directly to compatible laptops. The update specifically targets newer models with robust hardware, including modern processors and at least 8GB of RAM, ensuring smooth performance for AI-driven tasks.
One standout feature is the expanded functionality of Google Lens on Chrome OS. Users can now long-press the launcher icon to select any screen area for visual searches, with added support for text capture and seamless integration with Google Calendar and Docs. This makes organizing information faster and more intuitive than ever before.
The Quick Insert key, introduced last year, is getting an AI-powered makeover. While it already simplified inserting photos and emojis, it now includes on-demand image generation capabilities. This feature leverages Google’s Gemini models to create visuals instantly, eliminating the need for external tools.
For those dealing with lengthy documents, the Help Me Read function uses Gemini to condense complex content into digestible summaries. Whether it’s technical reports or dense webpages, the tool can quickly transform them into clearer, more accessible formats with just a few clicks.
As an added incentive, Google is offering a 12-month free trial of its AI Pro plan with the purchase of a Chromebook Plus. This premium package includes 2TB of cloud storage, extended access to Gemini Pro, and NotebookLM Pro, which is also being integrated into the Chrome OS shelf for easier access. These updates mark a major step forward in making AI tools more accessible directly from Chromebooks.
(Source: Ars Technica)
