Google goes all-in on AI with the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 and more Chromebook Plus devices
Google updated the features for Chromebook and Chromebook Plus laptops to include more AI features using Google Gemini. To go along with the new version of Chromebook Plus Google has announced, a group of six new Chrome OS laptops are also being released.
The new version of Chromebook Plus available on these devices includes features like local and cloud versions of the Google Gemini platform, generative AI wallpaper and video chat backgrounds, Google Magic Editor, Help Me Write, and a built-in Google Task view.
The six new Chromebooks include the Acer Chromebook Spin 714, Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE, Asus ExpertBook CX34, Asus Chromebook CM30, HP Chromebook Plus x360, and HP Chromebook 14. Will these make it on our best Chromebooks page?
Here's everything we know about this new age of Chromebooks.
Chromebook Plus now with AI features
Google has packed a ton of AI features into these new Chromebook Plus laptops, with built-in AI features alongside cloud-based AI systems. From Help Me Write –a generative AI tool to help crafting emails and documents– to Google Magic Editor, several new AI features are coming to Chromebook Plus.
Help Me Write is a new Google AI system built into Chromebook Plus OS that helps you write on the web, in PDFs, or through web apps installed on your Chromebook. Help Me Write can generate text from scratch using prompts or re-write existing text.
Chromebook Plus will also use generative AI to create AI wallpaper and video call backgrounds on all video conferencing apps.
Magic Editor for Google Photos is coming to Chromebook Plus, allowing you to reposition or resize images, improve the lighting, and alter the background.
Google Gemini is also joining the Chromebook Plus AI lineup, with Gemini integration on the Chromebook Plus home screen. You can chat with Gemini, and start planning, writing, learning, and generating images on-device.
All new Chromebook Plus laptops will get Google One AI Premium for one year, free. The plan provides Gemini Advanced, 2TB of storage, Gemini in Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Gmail.
Other AI features are coming to all Chromebooks, including simple setup with Android phones, one-click access to Google Tasks, and seamless GIF screen recording. Game Dashboard will also launch on all Chromebooks, allowing you to customize your gaming experience with custom game control mapping.
All new AI Chromebooks
Acer Chromebook Spin 714
The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 features an Intel Core Ultra processor, a durable aluminum chassis, a touchscreen, and a 360-degree hinge. This convertible laptop also has a 1440p QHD webcam with AI audio and video enhancements for better clarity, lighting, and sound.
The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 starts at $699 at Best Buy.
HP Chromebook Plus x360
The HP Chromebook Plus x360 features a 14-inch clamshell design with 360-degree hinge, micro-edge full HD touchscreen display, and HP Fast Charge. The Chromebook Plus x360 is also certified EPEAT Gold with Climate+ and Energy Star ratings for using ocean-bound and post-consumer recycled plastic.
The HP Chromebook Plus x360 starts at $429 at Walmart.
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34
Asus updated the Chromebook Plus CX34 with a 13th gen Intel Core i5 processor for increased performance. The CX34 also features a 14-inch clamshell design with a 180-degree lay-flat hinge, WiFi 6E, and an optional touchscreen.
The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 starts at $499 at Best Buy.
Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE
For those looking to get the most out of their cloud gaming experience on a Chromebook, Acer has updated the Acer Chromebook 516 GE for the Chromebook Plus platform. The Chromebook Plus 516 GE features a 16-inch WQXGA 120Hz display, Wi-Fi 6E, an RGB keyboard, high-quality speakers, and a three-month trial of Nvidia GeForce Now.
The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE starts at $649 at Best Buy.
HP Chromebook 14
The HP Chromebook 14 is available as a basic Chromebook and a Chromebook Plus laptop. Both versions include an Intel Pentium processor and 128 GB of storage space.
The HP Chromebook 14 comes in four colors; Lilac Lavender, Sky Blue, Glacier Silver, and Chalkboard Gray. It starts at $249 at Walmart.
Meanwhile, the HP Chromebook Plus 14 comes in Meteor Silver and is available for $449 at Costco.
Asus Chromebook CM30
The Asus Chromebook CM30 may be a new piece of Chrome hardware, but unlike the others, it isn't a Chromebook Plus device. Instead, this 10.5-inch detachable laptop is now available at Best Buy and Walmart.
Fully functional as both a tablet and laptop with a detachable keyboard, the CM30 features a 10.5-inch touchscreen, 8GB of memory, 128GB of storage space, and up to 13 hours of battery life. The tablet also has high-resolution 5-megapixel cameras on the front and back.
The Asus Chromebook CM30 starts at just $299 at Best Buy and Walmart.
Chromebooks are better than ever
I've never been a big fan of Chromebooks myself, as I often need access to full Windows x86 programs. However, if you just need web applications, the case for Chromebooks and Chromebook Plus laptops is stronger than ever with these new AI features. With Google One AI, Chromebooks will offer as many generative AI features as Windows machines.
And they start at just $249.
