Google is bringing powerful, free Gemini artificial intelligence (AI) features to its Chromebook Plus laptop lineup. This significant update enhances productivity and creativity directly on the devices, launching alongside impressive new hardware like Lenovo’s sleek 14-inch Chromebook Plus.
Chromebook Plus signifies a tier of Chromebooks designed for enhanced performance, typically featuring faster processors (like Intel Core i3 12th-gen or newer, or AMD Ryzen 3 7000 series or newer), more memory (8GB RAM minimum), and ample storage (at least 128GB). These requirements ensure the devices can handle the demanding AI features Google is now integrating.
Unlock New Capabilities with Gemini AI
The new Gemini AI features arriving on Chromebook Plus laptops aim to streamline workflows and add intelligent tools for everyday tasks. Key additions include:
Select to Search: Similar to features found on other devices, this allows users to quickly initiate a Google search based on anything on their screen – be it an image or text. A simple long press of the launcher icon or taking a screenshot lets you highlight content for instant searching, offering a seamless way to get more information about what you’re seeing.
Smarter On-Screen Text Handling: Text captured via Select to Search isn’t just for web queries. You can now easily import highlighted text directly into Google Workspace apps like Documents or Spreadsheets. The AI can also simplify complex or jargon-filled text you encounter, making challenging content easier to understand.
Instant AI Image Generation: The Quick Insert key (often replacing the Caps Lock key on newer Chromebooks, acting as a dedicated “Gemini button”) gains a direct shortcut to AI image generation tools, allowing users to create visuals on the fly.
Intelligent Tab and Document Grouping: This smart tool automatically organizes your open tabs and documents into logical groups based on what you’re currently working on, helping to declutter your digital workspace and improve focus.
Automated Image Editing: Built directly into the Gallery app, new AI-powered editing features allow for automated tasks like effortlessly removing backgrounds from images or turning photos into digital stickers.
Notably, the Smart Grouping and AI image editing features leveraging on-device AI are initially exclusive to the new Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 at launch but are expected to roll out more broadly to other Chromebook Plus models over time.
Introducing the Lenovo Chromebook Plus (14-inch)
Leading the charge for these new AI capabilities is Lenovo’s latest flagship, the Chromebook Plus (14-inch, 10th-gen). This device marks a significant step as the first ARM-based model in the Chromebook Plus range, powered by a MediaTek Kompanio Ultra chip featuring an NPU capable of 50 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second) for handling on-device AI tasks efficiently.
Starting at $649 (or $749 for the touchscreen variant), the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 is designed to be both premium and portable. It boasts a sleek, silver design, weighing just 2.58 pounds and measuring a thin 0.62 inches. Its 14-inch OLED display offers a vibrant 1920 x 1200 resolution with 400 nits of brightness, providing excellent contrast and color quality, a key highlight noted in early impressions.
Beyond the display and processor, specs include configuration options up to 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, Wi-Fi 7 support, Bluetooth 5.4, a fingerprint sensor for secure logins, and a quad-speaker system with Dolby Atmos audio – a first for a Chromebook. Port selection is minimal but functional, with two 5Gbps USB-C ports, one 5Gbps USB-A port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Lenovo also claims the device’s 60Wh battery offers the best battery life among its peers, with figures up to 17 hours suggested, aiming to capitalize on the efficiency benefits of the ARM architecture.
Added Value for Chromebook Plus Buyers
As an extra incentive, purchasing the new Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14, or any* Chromebook Plus device, throughout 2025 includes a free one-year subscription to Google’s AI Pro Plan. This valuable perk provides access to advanced AI tools like Gemini 2.5 Pro, the Veo 3 AI video generator, and a generous 2TB of cloud storage via Google One.
These updates underscore Google’s commitment to making Chromebooks more capable and intelligent, leveraging the power of AI to enhance user experience, starting with the performance-tuned Chromebook Plus line.
