Google Adds Gemini, Debuts First on-Device AI Chromebook
Google is bringing its AI-powered Gemini features to Chromebooks, starting with newer, high-performance models. As a result, Chromebooks with at least 8GB of RAM and modern CPUs will soon support image generation, summarization, and visual search tools. While these features rely on cloud-based AI, their integration into Chrome OS marks a significant evolution in functionality.
Lens is now more deeply embedded, allowing users to long-press the launcher to visually search screen content. It also enables text capture with seamless integration into Google Docs and Calendar. Meanwhile, the Quick Insert key receives an upgrade: in addition to inserting emojis and photos, it can now create custom images through AI generation.
Google’s Help Me Read tool, powered by Gemini, will simplify long or complex documents into more digestible content. Additionally, the new Summarize button can quickly reduce dense material to clearer summaries, improving productivity for students and professionals alike.
Exclusive AI Benefits on Chromebook Plus 14
Beyond system-wide upgrades, Google and Lenovo have collaborated on a new device: the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14. This laptop stands out due to its MediaTek Kompanio Ultra chip, which features a neural processing unit capable of 50 trillion operations per second (TOPS). Because of this, the machine can run AI models locally similar to Microsoft’s approach with its Recall tool on Copilot+ PCs.
Unlike typical server-dependent models, on-device AI boosts privacy and performance. On this Lenovo model, users gain access to two exclusive features. First, Smart Grouping will intelligently sort tabs and documents. Second, the Chrome OS Gallery app allows one-click background removal and sticker creation entirely offline.
Chromebook Plus and the Future of On-Device AI
All Chromebook Plus buyers will receive a free 12-month trial of the Google AI Pro plan. This package includes 2TB of cloud storage, access to Gemini Pro, and NotebookLM Pro, now accessible from the Chrome OS shelf.
Although local AI tools are currently exclusive to Lenovo’s Chromebook Plus 14, other devices with powerful NPUs could support them in the future. The move reflects a broader trend toward running AI directly on devices to improve responsiveness and safeguard personal data. For now, the Chromebook Plus 14 is available for $749 at Best Buy, signaling a new era for Chrome OS and AI integration.
