Google is giving the new Chromebook Plus laptops from Acer and Asus Gemini and useful writing and imaging features. You can use the AI ​​features free of charge for 12 months.

When Google has something to announce, you can bet that the name Gemini will be mentioned somewhere. And that’s what happened today: Google is putting Gemini in its Chromebook Plus devices. Chromebook Plus is an elite label for Chromebooks that Google introduced last year and that meets a select group of devices from PC manufacturers.

Anyone who buys a Chromebook Plus notebook now will receive 12 months of Google One AI on top, which includes access to Gemini Ultra. After the trial period, Google One AI costs $20 per month.

With the announcement of Gemini on the Chromebook, Acer and Asus see their opportunity to launch new Chromebook Plus models.

Acer

Acer is updating two existing models in the line: Chromebook Plus Spin 714 and Chromebook Plus 516 GE. The Spin 714 retains its 14-inch touchscreen with 360-degree hinge (1,920 x 1,200 pixels). You can configure the laptop with up to 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage.

The big news is the brand new Intel Core Ultra chip. This new generation chip has an NPU on board that can efficiently handle AI tasks. You can configure up to an Intel Core Ultra 5 115U.

The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE is aimed more at gamers with a larger 16-inch screen (2,560 x 1,600 pixels, 120 Hz) and RGB keyboard. WiFi 6E and an Ethernet port are available. The maximum configuration includes an Intel Core 5 120U, 2 TB storage and 16 GB RAM.

The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE is available from $650 and is initially only available in the USA. The new Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is available now and costs from 979 euros including VAT.

Asus

To get you started with Gemini features, Asus has three devices in store. The Asus ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus is the highest-end option with an Intel Core 7 chip, 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage. The touchscreen (2,560 x 1,600 pixels) measures 14 inches. At the top you’ll find a powerful 8-megapixel webcam. There are two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports all around. Asus hasn’t announced a price yet.

In addition, Asus is updating the Chromebook Plus CX34 with a 13th Gen Intel Core i5 processor (starting at $499). Finally, there’s a new 2-in-1 model called the Chromebook CM30. This budget model has a 10.5-inch screen (1,920 x 1,200 pixels), 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and a MediaTek Kompanio 520 ARM chip. Prices start at $299.

It is currently unclear whether the three Asus devices will come to Europe and, if so, at what price.