Google’s recent misstep with ChromeOS

ChromeOS and the conclusion of the Everything era

In a surprising move, Google has decided to relocate the long-standing, distinctive Search/Launcher/Everything key on the Chromebook’s keyboard and replace it with a new “Quick Insert” key.

The space previously occupied by this key will now contain a function that appears to be primarily aimed at integrating more Gemini-branded generative-AI technology into users’ daily interactions, promoting it as The Future™ that should be utilized extensively.

To its merit, Google is refraining from transforming the button into a full-fledged Gemini button. Instead, it will serve as a versatile tool for inserting various types of content into text fields across the ChromeOS platform. This functionality enables users to access emojis, GIFs, files, and photos, as well as utilize Gemini’s Help Me Write feature for generating text and soon the AI image generating system. However, it is evident that the latter features are the main driving force behind this modification.

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AndyC

Andy Curtis is an award-winning security consultant, researcher and public speaker. He has been working in the computer security industry since the early 1990s, having been employed by state and federal government, leading healthcare and banking providers across three continents. He has given talks about computer security for some of the world’s largest companies, worked with law enforcement agencies on investigations into hacking groups, and is a regular voice on TV and radio explaining IT security threats.

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