What is a Chromebook?
A laptop or tablet running Google’s ChromeOS is called a Chromebook. It is easy to use and mostly intended for internet use. It does not run macOS or Windows as other laptops do. Rather, its primary software is Google Chrome. Web-based applications such as YouTube, Gmail, and Google Docs are available. Compared to traditional computers, Chromebooks offer less storage because most work is done online.
Chromebooks are inexpensive, quick, and lightweight. Students, occasional users, and those who only need to view movies, check emails, or surf the web will find them ideal. They are safe and simple to maintain because they also update automatically. While some applications can function offline, the majority of their functions require internet connectivity.
Among the many classroom and accessibility-focused ChromeOS capabilities that Google is showing off today is the ability to operate your computer using your head and face movements. Originally introduced in early December, the functionality is now being made available to more users with compatible Chromebooks (Google recommends 8GB or more RAM). And it’s aimed at people with mobility impairments.
Google has already entered the cursor market as a face. It previously created Project GameFace, an open-source AI accessibility solution for Windows games. It was also made available for Android. Here’s a sample Google video showing the technology in action, as demonstrated by Amanda Lin Dietz, a software developer who contributed to its development.
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With more than 20 new models in its regular Chromebook and Chromebook Plus lines due out this year, Google is also hinting at a ton of new Chromebooks for 2025. It seems Google is counting the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus, which debuted in October. However, that also includes the recently unveiled 14-inch Lenovo Chromebook Plus 2-in-1 and other upcoming models, so that estimate is a bit low.
In addition to laptops targeted at teachers and kids, Google has released a new set of ChromeOS capabilities called Class Tools. These are designed specifically for classrooms. They give teachers the ability to manage their students’ screens in real time. Teachers can send content directly to students on their Chromebook displays. After providing a pairing code, they can turn on live captions or translations for them, view their screens remotely, and share student work with the entire class.
Along with these collaborative features, Google Classroom also integrates Figma with FigJam. This will enable instructors to give students access to online whiteboards for group projects and brainstorming. Perhaps FigJam and the ability for teachers to monitor children’s screens will make it clearer who is actually handling all the group work.
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How to Use a Chromebook?
A Chromebook is a simple and easy-to-use laptop designed mainly for internet-based tasks. To begin using it, press the power button to turn it on. Once it starts up, you will have the option to sign in with your Google account or use guest mode if you don’t want to log in. Signing in with a Google account allows you to access all your saved files, apps, and settings across different Chromebooks. After logging in, the screen will display the desktop, along with a row of icons called the Shelf at the bottom. The Shelf contains shortcuts to commonly used apps like Google Chrome, Files, and YouTube. You can open an application by clicking on its icon.
Chromebooks store files primarily in Google Drive, which is a cloud storage service. This means your documents, pictures, and other files are saved online rather than on the device itself, making them accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. To connect your Chromebook to Wi-Fi, click on the clock located in the bottom-right corner of the screen, then select a network and enter the password if required. A stable internet connection is important for smoothly using web-based applications.
To find applications or documents, you can use the “Launcher” or the search button on the keyboard. The Launcher helps you quickly locate installed apps and recent files and even perform Google searches. One of the advantages of a Chromebook is that it updates automatically in the background, ensuring that your device always has the latest security patches and features without any effort from you.
Chromebooks are ideal for various everyday tasks, including typing documents, browsing the web, watching videos, and making video calls using apps like Google Meet or Zoom. Their lightweight design and automatic updates make them hassle-free and perfect for students, professionals, and casual users who need a reliable device for internet-based work.