Google is announcing new Chromebook models today with Samsung and Lenovo. With Samsung’s Galaxy Chromebook Plus model in particular, the company is also introducing a new multifunctional quick insert key. But Google doesn’t want to leave existing Chromebook users behind as it added new AI-powered features for existing devices.
The quick insert key, which also acts as a Caps key, will open a new menu with access to the Gemini-powered “Help me write” tool, emoji and GIF search, recent browsing history to quickly copy links, Google Drive integrated search, and tools to do quick calculations, add dates, or convert units.
At the moment, the quick insert key is only present on the new Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus. Google said it plans to add the key to more Chromebook Plus devices. However, this new menu is available to all users through the Launcher Key + F shortcut.
AI features for Chromebook Plus
Earlier this year, Google introduced an AI writing tool and AI-powered wallpaper generator to Chromebook Plus devices. Now, it is bringing a “Help me read” tool that summarizes all PDFs, articles, or websites with a right click. Plus, just like other AI assistants, you can also ask follow-up questions.
Google introduced live transcription for Meet in 2022. And over the years it has shown different translation tech. Chromebook Plus is now getting a live translate feature, which will show captions in over 100 languages for content like a Zoom meeting, a YouTube stream, or a local video file.
The company is also improving video calls with AI-based mic simulation for noise reduction and room reverberation for clear sound. Plus, you can also tweak appearance settings on video calls to adjust lighting, brightness, and more. If you are on Mac, you can use indie app Boom for all this.
Google’s recorder app on Pixel can already transcribe audio with a built-in speech-to-text feature. The company is now making it available on Chromebooks with speaker detection and transcription summary features.
New features for all Chromebooks
There are ton of updates for all Chromebooks, too. Google is now pinning Gemini’s web app in the shelf so you can quickly access the AI Assistant without having to open the browser.
Another neat feature is Welcome recaps, which will give you a visual overview of where you last were on any device. It also shows you suggestions for things like an article you were reading on Chrome on your Android or iOS device. Welcome recaps show you reminders to join the next call or show a shortcut to recently opened file.
Chromebooks are also getting customizable Focus modes, similar to the iOS Focus feature, which turns on Do Not Disturb after you select a time period. You can also play white noises through soundscapes or select a YouTube Music playlist.
What’s more, ChromeOS will let users pin files to the Chromebook’s shelf (dock) for easier access when online or offline.
The company also added that Goodnotes app, a popular notetaking app in the education sector, is now optimized for Chromebooks that support stylus input method.
Google wants everyone to use their AI tools more, so it is giving out Google One AI Premium Plan with access to Gemini Advanced and Gemini in Docs, Sheets, Slides, Gmail, and more, for three months to new Chromebook buyers and for 12 months to new Chromebook Plus buyers.