For the tenner that the Chromebook line of ultra - inexpensive laptop computer has been around , the fellowship has left the ChromeOS - free-base intent to linger without many major update . Now the tech heavyweight is here with Chromebook Plus gas a newfangled hardware standard and a few software tweaks the companionship promises will be a footmark up for anybody appear for a wide-eyed frame-up , though still constantly attach to Google ’s software system brand .
Just how “ plus ” is Plus ? Well , Google is making some additions by porting over a few software hint that have become mainstays on Android phone . The Chromebook is sustain the Material You redesign , which mean users should be able to set pleasing gloss swatches for their UI free-base on their wallpaper . Google is also adding its AI - found pic redaction tool Magic Eraser to the Google Photos app . There are a few extra quality - of - life improvements , include the ability to set up camera background fuzz , improved lighting , and live caption from the bottom app shelf .
The new “ Plus ” moniker means these Chromebooks promise minimum glasses you receive for at least $ 399 . Each add up with an Intel Core i3 12th Gen or AMD Ryzen 3 7000 CPU , or good . Further , a Plus model should have more than 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of memory board . Google promised that each will sport a 1080p webcam with secular racket reduction and a full - HD IPS or better display . Those update specs should be capable to defend redaction apps like LumaFusion andGoogle Photos ’ motion-picture show maker .
Asus, Acer, HP, and Lenovo are the first few OEMs who will be releasing their own Chromebook Plus models Oct. 8.Photo: Kyle Barr / Gizmodo
There are a few smashing features that are singularly geared to Chromebooks . There ’s a new active wallpaper setting for Chromebook - specific wallpapers that changes calculate on the meter of day . Perhaps the most significant newfangled feature for legacy Chromebook drug user is File Sync . Even with a new standard of 128 GB of storage , Chromebooks will still rely on cloud entrepot for most of their study , entail it can be a painful sensation when you take your 5G - lacking laptop somewhere without an leisurely internet connection . After users enable it , File Sync automatically downloads Google Workspace files when it find out an internet connection .
Unfortunately , some of the more interesting features of Chromebook Plus will be follow down the route . Google touted several new AI capabilities , including an in - built writing assistant that should process whether in Chrome or Docs . Google is also add a Generative Wallpaper setting that uses an AI range source to create a raw background based on a prompt . Google offers eight different templates for the AI to free-base the persona , and users will also be able-bodied to produce AI - generated background on Google Meet .
In the lag , Google is trying to tempt users onto their laptop brand by promise a three - month free trial for Adobe ’s newweb - based versionof Photoshop as well as three month of Nvidia Geforce Now antecedence tier . Even withPhotoshop ’s unexampled AI integrationthrough the Firefly image generator , three months is hardly an inducement for each service , specially because after the test it would be $ 21 a calendar month for a somewhat more limited translation of Photoshop whileGeforce Nowwill still cost $ 10 a calendar month . Hell , it was just a few years ago when Chromebooks were advertising three month of thenow - defunct Google Stadia .
Google shows how File Sync works on Chromebook Plus.Gif: Google
Older Chromebook models should also receive some of the Material You UI betterment in an updating pealing out to users Monday . Still , old Chromebook model wo n’t get all the new plus like active wallpapers or data file sync . Google say that some older Chromebooks that conform to the minimum glasses should be able to get the Plus OS feature set .
There are Modern Chromebook models from regular OEMs including Acer , Asus , HP , and Lenovo to start . There are regular laptop computer models as well as 2 - in-1 flippable model from Asus , HP , and Lenovo with a small diverseness of specs between them . Lenovo ’s slate include a “ gaming Chromebook ” model that ’s mostly design around game streaming with a 120 Hz refresh rate , though that role model wo n’t be available in the U.S. to begin .
There ’s a lot of subtle mutation between each poser . For instance , the $ 750 HP Chromebook Plus x360 sport a 14 - inch flippable screen , while the $ 600 HP Chromebook Plus has a 15.6 - inch display . Meanwhile , Acer ’s initial Chromebook Plus 515 with a 12th - gen Intel Core central processor sports a 15.6 - column inch full - HD display ( you may pay more for the touchscreen version ) while the 514 includes an AMD Ryzen 5 7520 processor and a 14 - in WUXGA screen start at $ 449 .
Gif: Google
All these new Chromebooks will be available on Oct. 8 in the U.S. through most major retailers . They will be uncommitted in Canada and Europe embark on Oct. 9 .
Those varied price are just another reminder that , despite the few extra features and guaranteed minimum spec , the Chromebook still has to compete with other tatty laptops that are n’t limited to what Google packs inside ChromeOS . Last month , Microsoftannounced the late in its Surface laptop serial publication , include the $ 799 Surface Laptop Go 3 . It ’s up to each user whether they ’re willing to spend a little more on a equipment that runs a full version of Windows 11 or go for a cheaper , though more technically limited laptop computer .
It ’s interesting that Google is lend up its Chromium - based laptop trade name while it is currently in the middle of amajor antitrust lawsuitalleging Google has used its dominant position to emphasize its software forrader of its challenger . Everything on Chromebook remains tied to Google ’s brand of software . The only way to access most feature is through Google Chrome and any new apps need to come through Play Store .
Google is boasting its Chromebooks can support the new web version of Photoshop that includes the AI-powered generative fill and expand.Photo: Kyle Barr / Gizmodo
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