The first notable feature is Help Me Write, which works in any text box. Select text in any text box and right click; You will see a box next to the standard right-click context menu. You can ask Google AI to rewrite selected text, rephrase it in a specific way, or change the tone. I tried using it in a few sentences in this story, but I didn’t like any of the suggestions it gave me, so your mileage may vary. Or maybe I’m a better writer than Google’s AI. Who knows?
Google is bringing the same generative AI wallpaper system that you’ll find on Android to ChromeOS. You can access this feature in ChromeOS wallpaper settings and generate images based on specific parameters. Interestingly, you can also create them when you’re in a video calling app. You’ll see a menu option next to the system tray every time you access the microphone and video camera; Tap it and click “Create with AI” and you can generate an image for your video call background. I’m not sure why you would want a “surreal bicycle made of flowers in pink and purple” background, but there you have it. AI!
Here’s something a little more useful: Magic Editor in Google Photos. Yes, the same feature that debuted on Google’s Pixel 8 smartphones is now available on Chromebook Plus laptops. In the Google Photos app, you can press Edit on a photo and you’ll see the Magic Editor option. (You’ll need to download more editing tools to get started.) This feature allows you to delete unwanted objects in your photos, move a subject to another area of the frame, and fill backgrounds in your photos. I successfully erased a paint can in the background of a photo of my dog and it worked pretty quickly.
Then there is Gemini. It’s available as a standalone app and you can ask it to do just about anything. Write a cover letter, discuss complex topics, ask for travel tips for a specific country. Just, you know, double-check the results and make sure there are no hallucinations. If you want to take advantage of Google’s Gemini Advanced model, the company says it’s offering 12 months free for new Chromebook Plus owners through the end of the year, so you have some time to redeem that offer. Technically, this is an upgrade from Google One and gives you Gemini for Workspace, 2 terabytes of storage, and a few other goodies.