Google has rolled out a new wave of Chromebook features, including new generative AI tools and a centerstage spot for its Gemini chatbot on its Chromebook Plus laptops. They’ll soon be available on existing machines through an automatic update, but if you’re due for a new laptop, you can get them at launch on half a dozen new models.
Read on for a brief overview of all the new Chromebooks:
New Chromebooks
Standard Chromebooks now support GIF screen recordings, one-click access to Google Tasks, and a new Game Dashboard that lets you remap controls to your keyboard. You can also set them up using an Android phone.
Asus Chromebook CM30
Credit: Google
For users who prioritize portability, Asus’ new Chromebook CM30 is a 10.5-inch convertible that includes a stand and a detachable keyboard. It sports 5MP front and rear cameras, and Google says it offers up to 13 hours of battery life.
The Chromebook CM30 comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of eMMC storage, and shoppers have the option of upgrading it with LTE connectivity. It’s now up for grabs at Walmart starting at just $299.
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HP Chromebook 14-inch
Credit: HP
The HP Chromebook 14-inch is a simple little 14-inch laptop with a low-end Intel Pentium CPU and 128GB of storage. The only thing that doesn’t seem aggressively basic about it is its finish: It comes in fun colors like “lilac lavender” and “sky blue” in addition to “glacier silver” and “chalkboard gray.”
The Chromebook 14-inch isn’t out yet, but it will eventually start at only $249 at Walmart. Costco will also carry a “meteor silver” Chromebook Plus version of it online starting at $449.
New Chromebook Plus laptops
The latest wave of Chromebook Plus models will be equipped with a suite of new Google AI tools at launch (in addition to the aforementioned features), including a “Help me write” text generator, generative wallpaper and video backgrounds, Magic Editor on Google Photos, and a Gemini chatbot that’s built right into the app shelf. They’ll also come with a year’s worth of Google One AI Premium (normally $19.99 per month), which gets you Gemini Advanced, Gemini in Google apps, and 2TB of storage.
Spec-wise, we’re playing a little fast and loose with the word “new,” here. None of the Chromebook Plus devices Google announced Tuesday were built completely from scratch: Two of them are Plus-ified versions of older Chromebooks, and the other two are different variants of laptops included in Google’s initial Chromebook Plus launch last fall. But it’s always nice to have more options.
Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714
Credit: Acer
Recommended by Google for users “looking for extra power,” this Plus upgrade to Acer’s existing Chromebook Spin 714 packs a new Intel Core Ultra 5 115U processor. (That’s a pretty big step up from the Chromebook Plus series’ CPU baseline.) It keeps the same convertible 2-in-1 design, which includes a 14-inch touchscreen, an aluminum chassis, and a 1440p QHD webcam.
The Chromebook Plus Spin 714 isn’t on shelves just yet, but it will start at $699.99 at Best Buy, matching the non-Plus version.
Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE
Credit: Google
Mashable’s current favorite gaming Chromebook has also gotten the Plus treatment, which includes a slick new obsidian black finish and a better Intel Core 5 120U processor (up from 12th-generation Intel Core i5). It stuck with its predecessor‘s vivid 16-inch 1660p display and RGB keyboard — but it also has the same ultra-reasonable price, which is clutch.
The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE starts at $649 with 8GB of memory and 256GB of SSD storage, and it’s available now at Best Buy.
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Asus Chromebook Plus CX34
Credit: Google
This new configuration of the Chromebook Plus CX34 (one of the original eight Chromebook Plus models) swaps its 12th-gen Intel Core i3 processor for a newer 13th-gen Intel Core i5 CPU. It otherwise retains the same 14-inch build, complete with 180-degree lay-flat hinges and a speckled white finish. It’s still configurable with a touchscreen, too.
The Chromebook Plus CX34 is now available at Best Buy starting at $499 with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of SSD storage. That’s $50 pricier than the original model’s base configuration.
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HP Chromebook Plus x360 14-inch
Credit: HP
HP has added another 14-inch hybrid Chromebook Plus variant to its lineup, this new one being the HP Chromebook Plus x360 14b. It’s a slight downgrade from the first version, the 14c (which we reviewed), trading its Intel Core i3-1215U processor and SSD storage for an Intel Core i3-N305 processor and UFS storage. But it’s also significantly cheaper.
Walmart will soon sell its base configuration with 8GB of memory and 128GB of UFS storage for $429. For comparison’s sake, the 14c variant starts at $789.99 on HP’s website.
