Forget Copilot: 5 major AI features Google rolled out to Chromebooks this week

It was only a matter of time before Google injected AI into Chrome OS.

That time has now come.

Also: These top Chromebook picks for students do it all

Chromebook Plus (a standard for high-end Chrome OS hardware that includes exclusive features) is getting an update today that improves the platform in a way that AI plays a bigger role. The goal is to help you get the most out of AI when using Chrome OS for certain tasks.

Let’s break down the most useful AI features coming to Chromebook Plus with this latest update.

1. Magic Editor in Google Photos

By now, you probably know what Magic Editor is and how it can help you create the perfect photo. But until now, this feature was only available on phones. Get ready, because Magic Eraser is now available on Chromebook Plus.

Also: Magic Editor and other Google Photos AI features are coming to your phone for free

You’ll be able to select a photo in the Google Photos app, tap (or click) Magic Eraser, and start editing the image to your liking. You can reposition and resize objects, use contextual suggestions to improve lighting and backgrounds, and completely reimagine your photos in just a few clicks.

2. Gemini on your Chromebook

That’s right, Gemini is now available on your Chromebook. Whenever you need help with an idea, get an answer to a question, plan a trip, research a topic, etc., all you have to do is tap the icon Gemini on your apps shelf and start interacting.

If you’re a new Chromebook Plus user, you’ll get the Google One AI Premium plan free for 12 months. After that, you will need to pay for the Gemini subscription. This plan includes access to Gemini Advance, 2TB of cloud storage, Gemini in Docs, Sheets, Slides, Gmail, and more.

3. Help me write

Help Me Write leverages Google’s AI capabilities in every place you write, such as websites, PDF forms, online apps, web apps, and more. When you need help writing, right-click (or two-finger tap) the text box for suggestions or even help changing the tone to suit your audience.

Also: Chrome now has a new AI writing tool to help you write almost anything online.

Help Me Write allows you to generate text from scratch, using a prompt, or can help you rewrite existing text to make it more formal, shorten it, or completely reword it.

4. AI-Generated Video Call Wallpapers and Backgrounds

With the help of AI, you’ll be able to imagine just about any type of image you want or need to serve as your Chromebook wallpaper or video call background.

You’ll find premade prompts included to help you create your backgrounds of all types (like fun, whimsical, zen, and professional). Select what you want to see and Google’s AI will do it to generate an image specific to your prompt.

5. Quick Access to Google Tasks

If you’re a fan of Google Tasks, you might be happy to know that you’ll now have one-click access, through a built-in Google Tasks view that makes it easy to add or check off tasks.

Also: ChatGPT vs. Microsoft Copilot vs. Gemini: Which is the Best AI Chatbot?

Google Tasks will be accessible from the date icon at the bottom right of your home screen and will also be accessible on Google Workspace apps and devices. This means that if you added a task from Gmail on your Android phone, you can pick up where you left off on your Chromebook.

These new features will be available on Chromebook Plus devices on the latest version of Chrome OS which will be released on (or after, depending on your location) May 28, 2024.