is a reviewer covering laptops and the occasional gadget. He spent over 15 years in the photography industry before joining The Verge as a deals writer in 2021.
Google announced a handful of new Gemini AI features for Chromebook Plus laptops, including a sleek, new 14-inch flagship device from Lenovo that I got to handle recently.
The new AI functions include select to search, which allows you to long press the launcher icon or take a screenshot and do a Google search based on on-screen images or text. (It’s like circle to search on phones, but for Chromebooks.) Text captured this way can be imported into a calendar or Google Workspace apps like a spreadsheet or document. On-screen text that’s a bit technical or jargon-y can also be simplified. And now, the Quick Insert key — the “Gemini button” that replaces the Caps Lock key on Chromebooks — gets a shortcut to AI image generation.
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1 / 6 Select to search can pull up search and shopping links for things you highlight on your screen. Image: Google
There are two more new Gemini features: a smart grouping tool that automatically organizes your current tabs and documents based on what you’re working on, and some image editing built into the Gallery app for automated tasks like background removal and making stickers. These new functions use on-device AI and are exclusive to Lenovo’s new Chromebook Plus 14 laptop, which launches today alongside Google’s new tools.
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