Samsung's latest premium Chromebook has a big screen and a...
It's been about a year since Google first announced its Chromebook Plus initiative, a higher spec of hardware that also comes with software features you won't find on more basic Chromebooks. Google's getting into a pretty consistent every-six-month cadence with these updates, so today we're hearing more about some new hardware as well as some AI-powered features coming to various Chromebooks. 
Samsung's Galaxy Chromebook Plus
Probably the most interesting update we're hearing about today is the new hardware from Samsung: the Galaxy Chromebook Plus. Samsung has made attempts at making high-end Chromebooks in the past, and this one seems promising. Google says it's the thinnest and lightest Chromebook Plus, at 2.58 pounds and less than a half-inch thick. Despite its small size, it features a 15.6-inch OLED screen, giving it a premium touch similar to the 15-inch MacBook Air. 
From a specs perspective, it boasts an Intel Core 3 100U, 256GB of storage, and 8GB of RAM, ensuring a smooth Chrome OS experience. Samsung claims a 13-hour battery life, setting high expectations for performance. The introduction of the new "Quick Insert" key is also noteworthy, offering a modern and useful right-click menu with various tools and shortcuts.
The Galaxy Chromebook Plus is priced at $699, positioning it as the most expensive Chromebook Plus model to date. While an exact release date is not confirmed, it is expected to be available this month.
Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11"
Lenovo is also introducing a new device, the Chromebook Duet 11". This small convertible device features a MediaTek Kompanio 838 processor, up to 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. With slimmed-down bezels and a detachable keyboard, Lenovo has refined the compact design of the original model.
Users can opt for a stylus and enjoy a free three-month Goodnotes subscription, optimized for Chrome OS. Available in configurations of 4GB/64GB for $340 and 8GB/128GB for $390, both models include the keyboard and stylus.
New Software Features
Google is not only introducing new hardware but also new software features to enhance the Chrome OS experience. Exclusive to Chromebook Plus models is the Gemini-powered "help me read" feature, which summarizes PDFs, articles, and websites with a right-click. Live Translate and Recorder app enhancements aim to improve user interactions with automatic captioning and transcription capabilities.
Google is also focusing on improving audio and video quality on calls with AI-powered features and ensuring a smoother experience across various video call platforms. 
Future Updates
Several software updates are in the pipeline for all Chrome OS devices, including promotional offers, Gemini integration enhancements, focus timer feature, and a "Welcome Back" function to streamline user workflows.
While exact rollout dates are yet to be confirmed, users can expect these updates to start rolling out this month, enhancing their Chromebook experience.
