ChromeOS 118 reached the stable channel on October 19, 2023, bringing a set of software features alongside Google’s newly announced Chromebook Plus category. Chromebook Plus is a hardware standard—not a separate operating system—with minimum processor, memory, storage, display and webcam requirements. Its headline additions include enhanced video-call controls, Google Photos editing tools and offline Google Drive file syncing.
What changed in ChromeOS 118?
ChromeOS M118 entered the stable channel on October 19, 2023, according to Google’s ChromeOS Help Community. The release period overlapped with the launch of Chromebook Plus, Google’s new category of higher-spec Chromebooks. The features described below were announced as part of that Chromebook Plus experience; the announcement does not establish that every feature was exclusive to ChromeOS 118 or unavailable on other devices.
What is Chromebook Plus?
Chromebook Plus is a category of laptops built to meet a defined hardware baseline and support Google’s highlighted software features. Google announced the category on October 2, 2023, with U.S. orders planned to begin October 8 and orders in Canada and Europe October 9. Those are historical launch dates, not an indication of current stock or regional availability. Google named Acer, ASUS, HP and Lenovo as launch partners and announced a $399 starting price in 2023; current model prices vary and need a live retailer check.
| Requirement | Chromebook Plus baseline announced by Google in 2023 |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i3 12th Gen or newer, or AMD Ryzen 3 7000 series or newer |
| Memory | 8GB RAM or more |
| Storage | 128GB or more |
| Webcam | 1080p or better, with temporal noise reduction |
| Display | Full HD IPS or better |
These minimums make the Plus label useful as a starting point when comparing specifications. They do not mean every Plus laptop has the same processor, screen, battery life, ports or build quality. Those details remain model-specific.
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#1 Best Overall
- THIN & DURABLE DESIGN - Boasting a thin and light design, the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is designed to keep you productive and entertained from anywhere. It weighs only 3.09 lbs and meets MIL-STD 810H military standards for reliable performance in harsh conditions. With long battery life and fast charge technology, it lets you work, study, watch, and stay connected without interruptions. It is perfect for commuting, travel, or working on the go
- AI-POWERED CREATIVITY - The laptop has AI-powered Google and Adobe tools to turn inspiration into reality faster. Its Gemini AI simplifies organizing creative drafts and optimizing materials. The dedicated Quick Insert key creates high-resolution images and offers writing assistance for seamless creativity. Unlock Google AI Pro for 12 months with this Chromebook Plus purchase. Experience Gemini Advanced, NotebookLM, 5TB of cloud storage, and boost productivity with Gemini integrated into Gmail, Docs, and more
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE - Powered by the 8-Core Intel Core i3-N355 Processor with Intel Graphics, it ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks. It features 8GB LPDDR5X RAM for fast, efficient multitasking and 512GB SSD, offering ample space for files, apps, media, and more, delivering fast storage access and reduced load times
- EXCELLENT VISUAL - Featuring a 14" WUXGA (1920x1200) IPS touchscreen with 300-nit brightness, this device delivers vibrant visuals and responsive touch functionality. It supports expanding the workspace with 3 external monitors via HDMI (max 4K@30Hz) or USB Type-C (max 4K@60Hz), without a docking station. Plus, a 1080p webcam with a privacy shutter to prevent unauthorized viewing meets daily video chat or conference needs
- RICH CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS - Equipped with 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, HDMI 1.4, and a headphone/microphone combo jack. It features Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for blazing-fast wireless speeds and seamless device pairing, plus a white backlit keyboard that lets you work comfortably in any lighting
Which Chromebook Plus features stand out?
Video-call controls
ChromeOS adds controls for improved lighting, background noise cancellation and background blur. Google said they work across Google Meet, Zoom, Microsoft Teams and other conferencing apps. The webcam baseline also includes temporal noise reduction, a hardware requirement distinct from these software controls.
Photo editing and creative apps
Google Photos on Chromebook Plus includes Magic Eraser, HDR and portrait blur. Google also highlighted Photoshop on the web, Adobe Express and LumaFusion, which supports multi-track video editing. These tools give the category creative-work appeal, though the hardware floor alone does not establish how a particular laptop will perform on demanding projects.
Rank #2
- THE BETTER WAY TO LAPTOP – Imagine a Chromebook that’s as flexible as your day: thin and lightweight with built-in Google apps and stress-free security.
- TAKE HITS KEEP MOVING – Sleek, light, and built to last- the Chromebook 2-in-1 is just 0.69” thick and 3.3lbs. Enjoy long-lasting battery life, fast charging, and military-grade durability for nonstop productivity wherever life takes you.
- PERFORMANCE THAT MATCHES YOUR HUSTLE – Fuel your ideas with an Intel Core processor and 128GB storage. Boot up in under 10 seconds to start the day powerfully efficient.
- FLEX YOUR CREATIVITY ANYWHERE, ANYTIME – Create, work, or unwind your way with a versatile 2-in-1 design. Flip easily between laptop, tent, and tablet modes with a responsive touchscreen built for flexibility.
- BRILLIANT VIEWS AND IMMERSIVE AUDIO – See, hear, and create with awesome clarity. The WUXGA display brings rich detail to your work and play, while audio tuned by Waves MaxxAudio provides immersive, balanced sound.
Offline Google Drive files
File Sync can automatically download Google Drive files so they remain available without an internet connection. It requires setup and depends on available local storage and applicable Google Drive requirements; it should not be treated as an automatic offline copy of every Drive file.
AI features announced for later
At launch, Google previewed right-click writing assistance, generated wallpapers and generated video-call backgrounds for 2024. These were forward-looking previews, not confirmed ChromeOS 118 launch features. Their current implementation and availability may have changed since the announcement.
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Rank #3
- Processor Manufacturer: Intel
- Processor Type: Core i3
- Processor Generation: 12th Gen
- Processor Model: i3-1215U
- Processor Core: Hexa-core (6 Core)
What does Chromebook Plus add for schools?
Google’s education announcement highlighted offline File Sync, machine-learning video-call clarity and lighting controls, noise cancellation, background blur, Screencast transcription and cast moderator support. Google also said generative-AI features in education products are limited to users aged 18 and older and can be managed by administrators. Schools should confirm which tools are enabled for their managed accounts and devices.
Does Chromebook Plus guarantee better performance?
Google described Chromebook Plus as offering “double the performance,” but its comparison was against top-selling Chromebooks from July through December 2022. That is Google’s own claim, not an independently verified benchmark or a guarantee that every Plus model is twice as fast as any Chromebook a buyer owns. The published hardware minimums are more concrete comparison points; real-world speed also depends on the specific processor and workload.
Rank #4
- Intel Celeron Processor Up to 2.79GHz, 4GB Ram, 128GB SSD
- 15.6" FHD IPS, Intel UHD Graphics
- 1x USB Type C, 1 x USB Type A, 1x Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack, HDMI
- Super-Fast WiFi 6 and Bluetooth, HD Webcam
- Chrome OS, AC Charger Included, Star Silver
How to decide whether a Chromebook Plus laptop is worth considering
The Plus standard is most useful as a filter: it rules out models below Google’s announced baseline and bundles a consistent set of highlighted features. Whether it is worth paying for depends on the exact device and what you do with it. Compare candidate models on the factors that certification does not make identical:
- Processor: Check the specific chip and generation, not just whether the listing says Chromebook Plus.
- Memory and storage: Compare capacities above the 8GB and 128GB minimums if your workload or offline files need more room.
- Screen and webcam: The minimum standard is Full HD IPS or better and a 1080p-or-better webcam; assess the individual model’s quality and features.
- Battery and portability: These are model-specific, so check the manufacturer’s details and independent coverage for the device you are considering.
- Keyboard, ports and price: Verify the layout, connections and current price against your needs rather than relying on the category label.
Google’s 2023 announcement called out Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart and Target as U.S. launch retailers. That historical retailer list does not confirm current inventory, pricing or availability in any region.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TWEIGHT 2-in-1 DESIGN At just under 3 pounds, the Chromebook Plus is incredibly lightweight. You can easily fold it into tablet mode for comfortable viewing and browsing
- BUILT-IN PEN Experience the power of the incredibly precise built-in pen that never needs charging. It's always ready to write, sketch, edit, magnify and even take screenshots
- DUAL CAMERA Fold your laptop into tablet mode to capture clear shots and even zoom in for a closer look with the revolutionary 13MP world-facing camera with autofocus
- CHROME OS AND GOOGLE PLAY STORE Create, explore and browse on a bigger screen with the tools you use every day —all on the secure Chrome OS
- POWER AND PERFORMANCE Tackle anything with a long-lasting battery and Intel Celeron processor. Store more with 64GB of built-in memory and add up to 400GB with a microSD card.Bluetooth v4.0
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
