The IT Admin’s Guide to Google AI

Artificial intelligence is transforming how we work, learn, and interact with technology every day, offering never-before-seen opportunities to increase efficiency and improve end-user experiences. However, effectively managing a fleet of devices with so much new technology requires staying ahead of the curve as well. As IT administrators, it’s crucial to not only understand this opportunity, but to also find ways to utilize AI to empower your work.

This guide will walk you through key Google AI features available in the Google Admin console, as well as previously announced features built into Chromebooks, to show how your organization can make managing a fleet of devices easier with AI while enhancing user experiences in the process.

Part 1: Empowering IT

Managing a fleet of devices shouldn’t be a complex undertaking. Thankfully, we’re bringing AI enhancements to the Google Admin console that are designed to simplify your workday and give you greater control over your device fleet.

Management support with Chrome Admin assistance: Chrome Admin assistance, a new Gemini-powered chatbot for the Google Admin console, is designed to streamline device management and enhance user experience. This intelligent chatbot leverages natural language processing to understand and execute your requests, providing immediate support and actionable insights.

With Chrome Admin assistance, you can efficiently manage your device fleet without navigating complex menus or executing intricate commands. Simply ask a question or request an action in plain language, and the chatbot will interpret your input and respond accordingly. For instance, you can inquire about the status of a specific device, request a screenshot for troubleshooting purposes, or even initiate a reboot to resolve minor issues – all directly within the chat window.

This innovative tool not only saves time and effort but also empowers administrators with varying levels of technical expertise to effectively manage their Chrome device ecosystem. By automating routine tasks and providing instant support, Chrome Admin assistance enables you to focus on strategic initiatives and optimize the overall user experience. Chrome Admin assistance is currently available to US-based users in the trusted tester program, which you can learn more about here.

Device and policy search made easy with natural language processing: Don't stress about remembering specific device or policy names or constructing complex search queries. Using natural language processing (NLP), you can locate specific devices or any of the hundreds of available policies by simply describing what you need in plain English. For instance, if you want to know which devices were enrolled last month, just type that query in plain terms. The Google Admin console will interpret your request and provide the most relevant results. This makes managing a fleet of devices much easier, and you can expect to see NLP search capabilities in the Google Admin console in the next few weeks!

Optimized settings with intelligent recommendations: Admins may lack the time or expertise to deep dive into every individual policy, so we’re launching a new feature called Related Settings. With this feature, when admins click into a policy details page they’ll also see other relevant policies. For example, looking at microphone control settings will also surface audio output settings as well. This is part of our larger effort to deliver more support while you manage devices, and will help spark interest in looking into additional helpful settings that may apply to your organization.

Part 2: Powering end-users

Chromebook and Chromebook Plus devices are powerful productivity, creativity, and collaboration tools. With Google AI built into ChromeOS, end-users also have access to features that can support them wherever they do their best work, whether in the browser, Google applications, or even third-party applications.

Google Workspace with Gemini enhances productivity across the familiar Google applications you use everyday. In Gmail, Gemini can help you compose emails faster, suggest smart replies, and even summarize lengthy threads. Within tools like Docs, Sheets, and Slides, Gemini acts as a powerful assistant, providing writing suggestions, data analysis, and presentation support. And for even more support, admins can pin Gemini to the Chromebook shelf for even easier access throughout the day.

We also understand that work doesn’t always happen exclusively in Google Workspace - users often rely on a wide variety of third-party applications to complete their tasks. That’s where Google AI, built directly into ChromeOS, is able to meet users wherever they are, regardless of the application they’re using. Powerful features like Help me read and Help me write can assist with comprehension and content creation in virtually any text-based environment. AI enhanced video call controls improve sound quality and create generative backgrounds, while Live Translate breaks down language barriers in real-time. These AI experiences built into ChromeOS, as well as many others, enhance productivity and collaboration across any application, wherever users do their best work.

Part 3: Choosing the right device

It’s also important to choose the right hardware, and Chromebook Plus devices deliver advanced Google AI experiences and robust performance at an accessible price.

Lenovo Chromebook Plus 2-in-1 (14”, 10): This sleek 2-in-1 convertible boasts powerful performance with the latest Intel® Core processors, robust security features, and AI built-in to help users accomplish more. At just 1.5kg light and 17.5mm thin, and with over 11 hours of battery life, it's easy to carry around at work and beyond. Learn more here.

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus: Ultra lightweight with 14th Gen Raptor Lake-R, a 15.6” OLED display, and long lasting battery life, along with the Quick Insert key to receive instant help when you need it. Learn more here.

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714: Powered by the latest Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors1–the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is the embodiment of power and portability. A premium thin and light 2-in-1 convertible Chromebook for work in office or on-the-go. Learn more here.

Part 4: The Google AI Advantage

Ready to experience the future of end user computing and IT administration? By embracing modern tools, you can empower IT and make device and policy management a breeze, all while helping your users achieve more across productivity, creativity, and collaboration.

Learn more about all things ChromeOS on our website, and dive deeper into Google AI on Chromebook by visiting our devices page.

To get the latest AI capabilities today, you can join our ChromeOS trusted tester program. Learn how here.