Google’s Chromebook Plus: A New Standard for Performance and Usability

Google, in collaboration with major system OEMs, is unveiling a new category of Chromebooks, known as Chromebook Plus. These laptops, set to go on sale from October 8 in the US (with a slightly later release in Europe and Canada), represent a significant shift in the Chromebook landscape.

Chromebook Plus is defined by a set of minimum hardware specifications aimed at ensuring a higher level of performance and usability. These models, initially developed under the codename “Chromebook X,” have created a buzz in the tech world. Google confirmed that Chromebook X and Chromebook Plus are essentially the same initiative.

Alongside these hardware changes, Google is introducing substantial tweaks to the ChromeOS user interface, marking one of the most significant single-rollout updates in the history of the operating system. These updates are part of Google’s ongoing efforts to refine the Chromebook experience.

The Chromebook ecosystem has evolved significantly since its introduction in 2011. What sets Chromebook Plus apart is its goal of establishing a baseline for excellent Chromebook experiences that align with the demands of a post-pandemic, hybrid work environment in 2023, all while maintaining reasonable price points.

Chromebook Plus is reminiscent of Intel’s Ultrabook and Intel EVO initiatives, which set minimum standards for quality and performance. However, the Chromebook Plus initiative includes both Intel and AMD-powered machines.

The initial Chromebook Plus lineup includes eight models from Acer, Asus, HP, and Lenovo, with prices starting at $399. These laptops will also benefit from AI enhancements in Google’s core services and come with a three-month trial of cloud-based Photoshop, including access to Adobe Express.

In terms of hardware, Chromebook Plus models will feature Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 7000-series processors or higher, with a minimum of 8GB of RAM. These specifications raise the bar for Chromebook performance and are designed to provide a well-rounded user experience.

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