We’ve been hearing rumors of Google’s Chromebook Plus platform and today we have all the details of the new category of Chromebooks which aims to offer reliable performance, unmatched security, and premium features at a starting price of $399. We’ve got the details for you after the break.
Chromebook Plus is basically Googles way of setting out a reference design for the Chromebook category without actually producing a Pixel device. All Chromebook Plus devices must offer the following specifications or better:
- CPU: Intel Core i3 12th Gen or above, or AMD Ryzen 3 7000 series or above
- RAM: 8GB+
- Storage: 128GB+
- Webcamera: 1080p+ with Temporal Noise Reduction
- Display: Full HD IPS or better display
With Chromebook Plus setting the bar for pricing, performance, and hardware, Google can ensure that Chromebook users are able to get the best experience and not miss out on a certain feature because the manufacturer decided to offer a lesser part.
This means that Chromebook Plus buyers will be able to use Google’s AI-powered Magic Eraser editing suite in the Photos app, the new File Sync feature which enables productivity on the go, and access to Google’s own apps. Chromebook Plus devices will also be able to use powerhouse creative apps such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Express, and LumaFusion.
This is just the start for Chromebook Plus with Google promising to deliver more new features during 2024 such as the addition of AI-capabilities in to ChromeOS which will make it easier to draft and refine shorter-form content across websites, image generation capabilities such as custom wallpapers, generative AI backgrounds to video calls, and more.
Chromebook Plus laptops go on sale in the US from October 8th and the day after in Europe with models from stalwart Chromebook brands Acer, Asus, Lenovo, and HP on offer from retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy.
