Well, it’s that time of year again, folks! Google just wrapped up its fall Chromebook showcase, and there’s quite a bit to unpack here. Besides sprinkling AI magic all over ChromeOS (because, of course, AI needs to be everywhere), Google revealed a few new Chromebook models. Headlining the event? Samsung’s very first Chromebook Plus, joined by Lenovo’s latest Duet**. So, if you’ve been holding out for something fresh in the Chromebook world, here’s what’s cooking.
Samsung’s First Chromebook Plus – Is Thin Still In?
Let’s talk about the star of the show: Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus. Samsung’s finally jumping into the Chromebook Plus game. The device is not only the thinnest and lightest Chromebook Plus yet (weighing a measly 2.58 pounds), but it’s also rocking a 15.6-inch screen with those slim bezels that everyone loves to gush over. Oh, and it’s less than half an inch thick. Yeah, they’re really pushing the whole “thinnest” thing hard here.
Powered by an Intel Core i3 100U (Raptor Lake-R) with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, Samsung promises you can squeeze out up to 13 hours of battery life—which sounds impressive for an Intel chip. No word on pricing yet, but the device is landing later this month. Get your wallets ready.
Lenovo’s Duet 3 – Not Really the Third
And then there’s Lenovo, coming in with the Chromebook Duet 3 (2024)—which, for the record, isn’t actually the third in the Duet lineup but the seventh. Yeah, I know, Lenovo and their naming conventions, right? Despite the confusing name, this device is all about portability. It’s small, light, and, as always, the pen is sold separately (thanks, Lenovo).
Powered by a MediaTek Kompanio 838 processor, you can snag up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The kickstand’s been improved, the palm rejection tech is better, and even the cameras have had a glow-up with an 8MP shooter on the back and a 5MP one on the front. Pricing for the 4GB model starts at $339.99, while the 8GB version goes for $389.99. Not bad for a slick little detachable.
AI All Over – New Features Incoming
And because it’s 2024, AI is literally everywhere. Google’s piling on AI features for Chromebooks, with some specifically juiced up for Chromebook Plus models. Expect a Quick Insert key to replace the Search key, giving you fast access to your most-used stuff, including from Drive. They’re also bringing in a Help me Read function (coming next year) for highlighting text, Live Translate for translating YouTube videos on the fly, and even a Recorder app that makes capturing audio a breeze.
Video chatting in low light? Don’t worry. Google’s tossing in some AI-powered appearance enhancers to make you look less like a horror movie extra on Zoom. It’s basically like Instagram filters for your face, but during meetings.
Standard Chromebooks Are Getting Love, Too
If you’re not about that Chromebook Plus life, don’t worry—standard Chromebooks are also getting some sweet updates. Gemini PWA, which was previously exclusive to Chromebook Plus, is now rolling out to everyone. You’ll also get three free months of Google One AI Premium (which includes Gemini Advanced), so everyone can dip their toes into the AI pool.
And for the multitaskers out there, Chromebooks are getting a screen that’ll remind you where you left off last time you used the laptop—kind of like a video game save point. There’s also a new Focus mode that lets you pick a soundscape and block out distractions with **Do Not Disturb** mode. Sounds zen, right?
So, Will Google’s AI Push Work?
Now, the big question: Is Google’s AI takeover going to be enough to get people to shell out for Chromebooks? On one hand, more AI-powered features in devices we use daily are pretty cool. But on the other, how many people are buying Chromebooks for their AI chops? Sure, it’s exciting to see so many new gadgets and features rolling out, but let’s be honest—we’re still figuring out how AI fits into everyday workflows. Either way, if you’re a Chromebook user, it’s a good time to be alive with all these shiny new toys.
In the end, time will tell if Google’s AI push across the Chromebook lineup is enough to turn heads and wallets. But hey, it’s an exciting time to be in the ChromeOS ecosystem, and who knows, you might end up loving AI more than you think.
