Google has introduced two new Chromebooks to its lineup: the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus—its slimmest and lightest model yet—and an upgraded Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11”, perfect for anyone who loves flexibility and note-taking. Along with the new hardware, there’s a batch of new AI-driven features designed to make everyday tasks a bit easier (and maybe even a little more fun).
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus: All the Features, Half the Weight
At just 2.58 pounds and under half an inch thick, the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus is barely heavier than a stack of papers and way more useful. It comes packed with an Intel Core i3 100U processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage, making it a solid choice for students and pros alike. The 15.6-inch OLED display isn’t just pretty to look at—it’s also built for long work sessions with up to 13 hours of battery life. And for those who like shortcuts, the new Quick Insert key lets users add links, emojis, and files in one click—because copy-pasting is so 2022.
Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11” Brings Flexibility on the Go
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11” is designed for people who need their device to do more than just sit on a desk all day. It’s small enough to toss in a bag, and the built-in kickstand and detachable keyboard give you the option to use it as a laptop or a tablet. The Lenovo USI Pen 2, sold separately, lets users sketch, write, or scribble directly on the screen. Powered by the MediaTek Kompanio 838 processor with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, it’s plenty capable of handling day-to-day tasks and video calls with its 8MP and 5MP cameras.
AI Features that Feel Smarter
The new Chromebooks aren’t just hardware upgrades—Google’s giving them some fresh AI features too. With Help Me Read, Chromebooks will summarize PDFs and articles, saving you the hassle of wading through long documents. Live Translate lets you turn any meeting, YouTube video, or shared file into a polyglot experience by instantly translating content into over 100 languages.
The Recorder app can transcribe recorded conversations, label speakers, and create concise summaries—ideal for catching up on meetings you might have “accidentally” missed. For those working from home or attending online classes, new video call features like studio-quality mic enhancements and built-in appearance effects help you sound clearer and look better without needing any extra gear.
Quick Insert Key: Shortcuts Without the Fuss
The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus introduces the Quick Insert key, a handy button that gives you direct access to things like recent websites, Google Drive search, and a bunch of tactical tools—think inline unit conversions, adding dates, and even simple calculations. Need the perfect GIF for a group chat? There’s a shortcut for that too. For users of other Chromebook models, these features can be accessed with a simple keyboard shortcut (Launcher Key + F).
Chromebook Gets a Boost Across the Board
All Chromebooks will now include Chat with Gemini, Google’s latest AI tool that’s ready to help with everything from drafting content to brainstorming creative ideas or generating images. New Chromebook owners can try out the Google One AI Premium plan for three months, which comes with 2TB of storage and access to Gemini in apps like Google Docs, Sheets, and Gmail.
Another new feature, Welcome Recap, gives a visual overview of where you left off whenever you log in. Whether you need a reminder to join a meeting or quick access to that file you were working on, Welcome Recap has it covered. For when it’s time to focus, a new Focus Mode can block out distractions by turning on Do Not Disturb and playing a chosen YouTube Music playlist.
Google’s latest Chromebook lineup seems set to make life a bit easier, and maybe even a bit more enjoyable. For a closer look at all the new features and more details on the latest models, check out chromebook.com.
