Google’s new Chromebooks get a Plus with premium specs and performance
Google has introduced the Chromebook Plus, a new family of Chromebooks with a level of specs and hardware to ensure that they deliver a premium performance, much like Intel’s Evo programme.
Working with partners Acer, ASUS, HP, and Lenovo, Google’s new Chromebook Plus laptops deliver double the performance of Chromebooks from 2022 with faster processors, double the memory and storage, a FHD IPS display, and a 1080p HD webcam. There are two 15.6-inch models from Acer and HP with six others featuring 14-inch screens.
All Chromebook Plus laptops come with the following guaranteed hardware specs:
CPU: Intel Core i3 12th Gen or above, or AMD Ryzen 3 7000 series or aboveRAM: 8GB+Storage: 128GB+Webcam: 1080p+ with Temporal Noise ReductionDisplay: Full HD IPS or better display
Considering that Chromebooks start with really basic hardware like a Celeron processor with 720p screen and half the memory of what you might expect from a Chromebook Plus, this new tier is really useful to help users to quickly hone in on the right laptop to keep up with all the latest experiences and smooth performance, such as enjoying AI enabled apps.
Enjoy AI enabled apps
But better hardware is only one of the improvements to Chromebook Plus laptops. Chromebook Plus offers built-in Google apps and powerful AI capabilities.
For example, it offers Google Photos Magic Eraser to help remove unwanted distractions from your pictures, as well as intelligently making suggestions in the scene. The app also includes additional enhanced editing features, like an HDR effect that enhances brightness and contrast, and the ability to add portrait blur to your existing photos.
The webcam comes with built-in AI to help enhance your call’s clarity and lighting, cancel background noise and blur backgrounds with just a couple of taps. This is app agnostic, so it works no matter what video conferencing app you use, whether that’s Google Meet, Zoom, Microsoft Teams or others. Users will see these options amongthe array of built-in ChromeOS software video call tools available on their Chromebook’s app shelf. It also features temporal noise reduction for smoother, more lifelike video calls.
File Sync keeps your Google Drive files always accessible, whether you’re online or offline, by automatically downloading your drive files when your Chromebook Plus is connected to the Internet.
According to Google, several of the features on Chromebook Plus — like on-device AI — work great alongside the features of Duet AI in Google Workspace and recommend users to sign up for a no-cost trial.
Google is also offering three months of Adobe Photoshop on the web and Express free and 25% off LumaFusion’s one-time cost of US$29.99, when you purchase a new Chromebook Plus.
In addition to new Chromebook Plus devices, some existing Chromebooks will qualify for an OS update to include the enhanced features found on Chromebook Plus devices in the coming weeks. Let's not forget that all new Chromebooks will get a full 10-year support, so that's a big boon in keeping your purchase relevant for as long as possible.
Pricing and availability
Available in the United States from 8 October at a starting price of US$399 (S$548.22) and in Canada and Europe from 9 October. We have reached out to Google for local pricing details and will update this article when we have more information.
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