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| The Pixelbook Go. (Image credit: Future) |
A new Chromebook with a unique feature has been spotted - a built-in Assistant button. However, I'm hoping it's actually a disguised Google Gemini key.
All the best Chromebooks share one distinct feature that sets them apart from Windows laptops: Google's signature 'Everything' button. This button essentially serves as a search tool, allowing users to access everything from their personal files and apps to online search results.
But Chromebooks might soon be getting a new unique feature: a dedicated Google Assistant key. ChromeUnboxed discovered a file in the Chromium Repositories (the open-source code base that powers many ChromeOS and Chrome browser features) that mentions an upcoming Chromebook model with a hardware-mapped Assistant key.
This new Chromebook, codenamed 'Xol' – a subtle nod to Destiny 2, following a tradition of game-related codenames – has little information available, other than it will supposedly run on one of Intel’s 13th-gen CPUs. This is a surprising choice, considering Intel’s 14th-gen ‘Core Ultra’ chips are already available. However, as ChromeUnboxed suggests, we may not have seen the last of Intel’s 13th generation.
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| 'Hey Google' might soon become 'Hey Gemini'... (Image credit: Google) |
We've seen a dedicated Assistant button before, but only on Google’s own Pixelbooks. The Pixelbook Go remained in several laptop rankings even after Google discontinued the product line. I had hoped for a Pixelbook comeback that unfortunately didn't happen during last year's Google I/O event.
Does this mean 'Xol' could be a new Pixelbook? The answer is likely 'no'. Google appeared committed to moving away from first-party Chromebooks when it discontinued the Pixelbook in 2022, dissolved the team behind it, and encouraged third-party laptop manufacturers to fully embrace ChromeOS with the recent Chromebook Plus initiative. The more likely explanation is artificial intelligence.
With the rise of AI everywhere, from OpenAI’s new Sora video generator to the ubiquitous ChatGPT, it's logical that Google (and other Chromebook manufacturers) would want to promote AI features as a major selling point for new laptops.
A dedicated button for accessing your AI companion seems like the next step; and coincidentally, Google has a new set of AI tools for us to explore.
Google Gemini, a robust selection of AI software – some new, some rebranded from Google’s previous Duet and Bard AI models – seems perfectly suited for a new AI-centric Chromebook. Google claims that Gemini will offer a range of capabilities, from basic chatbot functions to writing-assistant tools that compete with Microsoft Copilot.
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| 'Chromebook Plus' is a step up from your everyday Chromebooks, and could benefit from a fresh injection of AI. (Image credit: Future) |
Interestingly, Gemini is set to replace Google Assistant, although not immediately - there seem to be some initial issues to resolve, and Assistant remains available on all compatible devices at the time of writing. However, the inclusion of an Assistant key on a Chromebook in early development stages, while Google is planning to phase out the virtual assistant, seems odd.
Could this be a Gemini button instead? The term 'Gemini Key' has a nice sound to it. Alongside the Everything button for accessing all your content, a dedicated key to instantly access Google’s full suite of AI software could be a valuable addition to the ChromeOS lineup. Google has always prioritized user-friendliness with Chromebooks, so this could be a great way to introduce less tech-savvy users to AI tools.
However, there's one issue.
As I mentioned earlier, 'Xol' operates on a 13th-gen Intel CPU - which means it won't have access to the powerful Neural Processing Units (NPUs) found in Intel’s new Ultra processors.
In conclusion, the discovery of a new Chromebook, codenamed 'Xol', with a built-in Assistant button, hints at the integration of Google's AI tools into future Chromebooks. This development aligns with the rise of AI and the introduction of Google Gemini, a robust selection of AI software. However, the choice of using Intel’s 13th-gen CPUs for 'Xol' could limit its potential, as it won't have access to the powerful Neural Processing Units (NPUs) found in Intel’s new Ultra processors. This could impact the performance of AI features on the device. The evolution of Chromebooks with AI-centric features will be an interesting trend to watch in the tech industry.