In a significant upgrade to its productivity-centric Chromebook Plus series, Google is introducing a suite of advanced AI-powered features aimed at enhancing user experience, simplifying tasks, and promoting creativity across devices. These updates are designed to bring AI closer to everyday workflows — particularly useful for students, professionals, and creators.
Smart Screen Selection and Search
One of the most notable additions is a new AI-powered screen selection tool, allowing users to simply highlight or select any part of the screen to instantly search, extract text, or even create calendar events. Functioning similarly to Google Lens or the “Circle to Search” feature available on Android smartphones, this tool makes content interaction seamless and intuitive.
AI for Reading, Writing, and Explaining
The newly introduced “Simplify” feature allows users to select any complex or lengthy text and use AI to either summarize, clarify, or rephrase it a valuable aid for students and professionals dealing with dense reading material.
Additionally, a “Quick Insert” key, available on select Chromebook Plus models, now provides quick access to AI-based writing tools and image generation features. These tools support content creation directly within documents, emails, or presentations, improving productivity without requiring third-party apps.
NotebookLM and AI Pro Subscription
Users will also gain access to NotebookLM, Google’s AI-powered research assistant designed to help with document analysis and note summarization. To further encourage adoption, Google is offering a one-year complimentary subscription to its AI Pro plan for all new Chromebook Plus buyers.
The AI Pro plan valued at ₹20,000/year (approx. $240) includes:
- Full access to the Gemini AI app
- Flow for advanced video editing
- Whisk for image-to-video generation
- AI-powered tools in Gmail, Google Docs, and Chrome
- 2TB of cloud storage
This move is expected to drive AI usage across Google’s ecosystem, particularly in markets like India, where cloud-based productivity tools are gaining momentum among remote professionals and students.
Lenovo’s Exclusive AI Features
In collaboration with Google, Lenovo is launching its latest Chromebook Plus 14, featuring two exclusive AI tools:
- Smart Tab Management – AI-driven suggestions to better organize tabs and documents.
- AI Image Editing – Built-in tools in the Gallery app for background removal and sticker creation.
The device sports a vibrant OLED touch display, powered by the ARM-based MediaTek Kompanio Ultra chip, and is available in 12GB and 16GB RAM variants, priced at ₹54,000 and ₹62,000 (approx. $649 and $749), respectively.
What This Means for Indian Users
With India’s fast-growing demand for AI-integrated education and remote work tools, these updates are particularly timely. The added functionality in Chromebook Plus devices, combined with Google’s robust ecosystem and cloud services, offers a compelling value proposition for Indian consumers seeking powerful yet affordable AI computing solutions.
Source: Techcrunch
