Google has announced two new Chromebooks from Samsung and Lenovo, along with a new Quick Insert key and several AI features.
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus comes in neptune blue color and includes 8GB of RAM, an Intel Core i3-100U (Raptor Lake-R) processor, and 256GB of storage. The device is expected to offer 13 hours of battery life based on the Google Chrome Power Load test. It centers on a 15.6-inch OLED screen, weighs 2.58lbs, and is just over 0.46in thick.
The main highlight of the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus is the new Quick Insert key. This key is located where the Caps Lock key is usually found on a traditional keyboard. While the key is currently exclusive to this device, it will be added to more Chromebook Plus laptops in the future. However, users with an older Chromebook can use the Launcher + F key to trigger the same functionality as the Quick Insert key.
When users press the Quick Insert key, the Chromebook opens an overlay similar to a right-click menu on Windows. Users will find options like AI writing features, emojis, browsing history, and more in the overlay menu. Additionally, it can be used to perform mathematical operations and unit conversions. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a laptop introducing a new key on the keyboard. Copilot+ PCs feature a dedicated key that allows users to quickly access Copilot.
The Samsung Chromebook Plus could be an ideal choice for teachers seeking a thin, lightweight device that lasts all day.
The other announced Chromebook is the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11, which comes with 8 GB of RAM, 128 GB of storage, and is powered by the MediaTek Kompanio 838 processor. It’s a 2-in-1 durable and compact Chromebook that includes a keyboard cover and a built-in kickstand, potentially making it an excellent option for students as they can easily switch from laptop to tablet mode while moving around the classroom. The Chromebook has an eight-megapixel rear camera and a five-megapixel front-facing camera for video calls and taking photos.
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet will be priced at $399, and the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus will be priced at $699. Both laptops will be available for purchase later this month.
Features Exclusive to Chromebook Plus Laptops
Chromebook Plus laptops are receiving several additional AI features. These include Live Translate, which uses Google AI to provide translated captions for whatever appears on the screen, and the AI-powered Recorder App, which allows users to create transcriptions that detect and label speakers and generate a summary of the recorded content. The Help Me Write tool is also coming to Chromebook Plus laptops, enabling users to summarize PDFs, articles, and websites with a simple right-click.
Features Coming to All Chromebook Laptops
Google has also revealed a batch of updates for all Chromebooks. The Gemini web app is now pinned to the shelf of every Chromebook. There’s also a Welcome Recap feature that gives users an overview of where they left off and suggests continuing articles they were reading on Google Chrome on their smartphone. Additionally, all Chromebooks will receive customizable Focus Mode, the ability to pin files to the shelf for quicker access, and the Goodnotes app, which is compatible with stylus input.