What is Chromebook Plus?
Google has long had problems making the distinction between cheap, low-performance Chromebooks and the more ambitious, premium Chromebooks it’s trying to sell to enthusiast users and big business. In October 2023 it launched Chromebook Plus, an initiative designed to address that problem, while also driving home the point that modern Chromebooks can do much more than run a browser.
Manufacturers can employ a new logo while users gain a handful of perks. Meanwhile, developers of Android apps can have more confidence adding Chromebook-friendly UIs and tools, knowing that Chromebook Plus models will have the performance and features to run them at their best.
Minimum requirements for a Chromebook Plus model include an Intel Core i3 or equivalent CPU, 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage – though this can be eMMC flash memory rather than an NVMe SSD. The display needs a 1080p resolution and IPS or better screen technology, while all Chromebook Plus devices need a 1080p webcam that supports temporal noise-reduction features.
Previous Chromebooks have met most or all of these requirements, and some models are eligible for a Chromebook Plus update, meaning users can expect the same software enhancements and perks. These start with a slightly different setup experience with Chromebook Plus branding, along with an exclusive AI-powered desktop background, with shifts in the lighting as you move from dawn to dusk, plus a matching screensaver. You also get some useful exposure and audio enhancements that work across all video call and meeting apps, not just Google Meet.
Google has sweetened the deal with some Chromebook Plus-exclusive trials or discounts on apps and services, though these are subject to change. And while it’s promising further AI enhancements in the future, these have yet to be announced, let alone rolled out.
It’s debatable whether Chromebook Plus is a game changer for Chromebooks or a piece of marketing spin, but it’s definitely worth opting for a Chromebook Plus model or one eligible for the upgrade. You’ll get a great device and some useful extras and, hey, any perk’s a perk.