AI Meets Chrome

Is it time to rethink what a Chromebook can do? Samsung seems to think so with their latest Galaxy Chromebook Plus, and it’s packing some serious AI-powered punch.

A man in a brown blazer is sitting at a desk in a library, working on a laptop. There are stacks of books and a lamp on the desk. The man is looking down at the laptop, and his expression is focused.
Photography by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels
Published: Thursday, 03 October 2024 07:26 (EDT)
By Isabella Ferraro

Chromebooks have always been the lightweight, budget-friendly alternative to traditional laptops. But Samsung’s latest Galaxy Chromebook Plus is here to shake things up. With a 15.6-inch OLED screen and a sleek, ultra-thin body, this Chromebook is anything but basic. But the real kicker? It’s loaded with AI features that could change the way you work, play, and everything in between.

So, what’s the deal with this new Chromebook? Why should you care? Let’s dive into the details.

Big Screen, Slim Body

First off, let’s talk about the design. Samsung has managed to pack a 15.6-inch OLED screen into a device that’s just 2.58 pounds and less than half an inch thick. That’s thinner than your average paperback novel. If you’re someone who’s constantly on the go, this Chromebook’s portability is a game-changer. It’s like carrying around a MacBook Air, but with Chrome OS.

And that screen? It’s not just big—it’s beautiful. OLED means you’re getting deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and overall better contrast. Whether you’re binge-watching Netflix or working on a presentation, this display is going to make everything look sharp.

AI-Powered Features

But let’s be real—what really sets this Chromebook apart is the AI. Samsung’s Galaxy Chromebook Plus is the first to feature a new “Quick Insert” key, which is basically a right-click menu on steroids. With a single press, you can access Google’s Gemini-powered “help me write” feature, search for GIFs, emojis, or even pull up a list of recently opened websites. It’s like having a personal assistant built into your keyboard.

And that’s not all. The AI perks don’t stop at writing. Google’s “help me read” feature can summarize PDFs, articles, or websites with just a right-click. Imagine skimming through a 10-page document in seconds. It’s not perfect yet, but Google promises more updates are coming, including the ability to highlight specific paragraphs for deeper insights.

Battery Life: Too Good to Be True?

Samsung claims the Galaxy Chromebook Plus can last up to 13 hours on a single charge. Now, if you’ve ever used a Chromebook, you know that battery life claims can be... optimistic. But if Samsung can deliver even close to that, it’s a huge win for anyone who’s tired of lugging around a charger all day.

With an Intel Core 3 100U processor, 256GB of storage, and 8GB of RAM, this Chromebook is more than capable of handling your everyday tasks. Whether you’re browsing the web, streaming videos, or working on documents, it’s got the power to keep up.

AI for Audio and Video Calls

Another cool feature? AI-powered audio and video enhancements for calls. The “studio-style mic” uses AI to reduce background noise and echo, while the video output automatically adjusts for better lighting. Whether you’re on a Zoom call or just chatting with friends, these features will make sure you look and sound your best.

Other AI Goodies

Samsung’s Galaxy Chromebook Plus also comes with Live Translate, which can generate captions for anything on your screen—whether it’s a YouTube video, a live stream, or even a video call. And if you’re someone who loves to take notes, you’ll be happy to hear that the Recorder app can automatically create transcripts, complete with speaker IDs and summaries.

Oh, and did I mention that every new Chromebook purchase comes with three months of Google One AI Premium? That means you’ll get access to Gemini Advanced, 2TB of cloud storage, and AI tools in Google Docs, Sheets, and Gmail. Not bad, right?

Price and Availability

Now, here’s the part that might make you pause. The Galaxy Chromebook Plus is priced at $699, making it the most expensive Chromebook Plus model to date. But with all the AI features, the big OLED screen, and the sleek design, it might just be worth the splurge. According to Engadget, it’s expected to hit the shelves sometime this month, so keep your eyes peeled.

Final Thoughts

Samsung’s Galaxy Chromebook Plus is a bold step forward for Chromebooks. It’s not just a budget-friendly option anymore—it’s a serious contender in the laptop world, especially with all the AI-powered features it brings to the table. If you’re looking for a device that’s portable, powerful, and packed with smart tools, this might just be the Chromebook for you.

Remember when Chromebooks were just for students and casual users? Well, times have changed. Just like how the first laptops revolutionized the way we work, AI-powered Chromebooks like this one could be the next big thing in personal computing.

PC & Laptops