Gemini is Google’s newest AI-powered assistant, designed to improve productivity and streamline tasks. It is deeply integrated into Chrome OS, primarily on the latest Chromebook Plus devices. Currently, it is only available on these devices, and not all Chromebooks support it.
Although Chromebooks provide a feature to install Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) for any website, this option is not available for Gemini on non-Plus devices. However, there is still a way to add Gemini access to your Chromebook shelf.
Why Only Chromebook Plus Devices?
Gemini is integrated into the system of the latest Chromebook Plus devices due to specific hardware requirements. These devices need to meet the hardware requirements set by Google in order to run AI capabilities, including Google Photos Magic Eraser, Adobe Photoshop on the web, and more.
Here are the hardware requirements for Chromebook Plue devices:
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i3 12th Gen or above, or AMD Ryzen 3 7000 series or above |
| RAM | 8 GB or more |
| Storage | 128 GB or more |
| Web Camera | 1080p or better with Temporal Noise Reduction |
| Display | Full HD IPS or better |
Not all Chromebook devices meet these requirements, which is why Gemini is limited to certain devices.
If your non-Plus Chromebook meets these requirements, you can upgrade your Chromebook from Chrome OS to Chrome OS Plus. Here is the list of Chromebooks that can be upgraded to Chrome OS Plus:
How to Install and Use Gemini on Chromebook
You can still install and use Gemini on your non-Plus Chromebook. There are some workarounds. Follow the guide to learn how.
If you prefer a video tutorial, then watch the video mentioned below:
1. Using the Gemini Website
You can access and use Gemini, regardless of the device you’re using. To get started, open any web browser and navigate to the Gemini website.
This means you can also use Gemini on a non-Plus Chromebook. Here are the steps to get started with Gemini on Chromebook:
1. Open the Google Chrome browser and visit gemini.google.com.
2. If you are not already signed in with your Google account, first sign in.
3. After that, you are ready to use Gemini on your Chromebook using the web browser.
2. Creating a Gemini Shortcut
However, if you want quick access to Gemini and its advanced features on your Chromebook, you can create a Gemini shortcut and pin it to your Chromebook shelf. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Open Google Chrome and visit the Gemini website.
2. Click on the three-dot icon to open the overlay menu and select the Save and Share option.
3. Choose Create Shortcut, from the context menu that appears.
4. Now, give the shortcut a name, such as Gemini to easily identify the shortcut and check the Open as window option.
5. After that, click the Create button.
6. Now, you can open Gemini from the Chromebook’s app launcher. For quick access, you can also pin the Gemini shortcut to the shelf. To do this, right-click on the Gemini icon and select the Pin option.
Conclusion
That’s it! This is how you can use Gemini on your Chromebook, no matter what hardware specifications you have. If your Chromebook meets the required specifications, consider upgrading to Chrome OS Plus to access additional Gemini features and enhancements. However, if you have any doubts then leave them in the comment section.
