Google has officially unveiled its new Chromebook Plus line, previously known as the Chromebook X project, which had become one of the industry’s worst-kept secrets. The announcement was made during a presentation in New York City.
Doubling Specs from Older Chromebook Models
The Chromebook Plus models come with significantly improved specs compared to older Chromebook models. Each Chromebook Plus must adhere to strict specifications, including an Intel Core (i3 or higher) or AMD Ryzen (7000 series) CPU, a 1080p IPS display, 1080p webcam, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. Higher-priced versions will offer even better specs.
Impressive Hardware and Software Features
Google’s new Chromebook Plus line offers various hardware and software features. The presentation highlighted features such as Google Photos Magic Eraser and other editing tools, offline file sync, AI-powered video conferencing improvements, a personal writing assistant, custom-generated wallpapers, video conferencing backgrounds, a reading assistant, and more. Some of these features will be available immediately at launch, while others will be introduced in the coming months.
Free Perks for Chromebook Users
Chromebook users will receive several free perks, including a three-month subscription for Photoshop on the Web and three months of GeForce NOW’s priority tier. While it’s not clear if there will be discounted subscription fees after the free trial period, these free months provide valuable benefits.
Free Software Update for Eligible Chromebook Owners
For users who already own Chromebooks that meet the hardware spec requirements, a free update will be available in the coming weeks to upgrade them to the Chromebook Plus software experience. Google is aiming to establish Chromebook Plus as the future of Google-powered laptops and has committed to providing 10 years of Chromebook software updates.
Launch Date and Starting Price
The Chromebook Plus line will launch on October 8, 2023, with a starting MSRP of $399.
