Table of Contents
Highlights
- ChromeOS classroom tools enhance real-time screen sharing, live annotations, and classroom management for more interactive digital learning.
- Gemini AI in Chrome provides smart summaries, insights, and productivity tools right on Chromebooks.
- Chromebook Plus devices and Chromebox OPS modules offer flexible hardware options for modern classrooms.
- The updates emphasize hybrid learning, affordability, and easy device management for schools and educators around the world.
At the BETT 2026 education technology conference in London, Google introduced several improvements to Chrome OS and Chromebook devices aimed at aiding teachers, students, and classroom collaboration. The focus is on AI-supported learning, better classroom management tools, and powerful new hardware options. These updates reflect Google’s commitment to modernizing education with technology that enhances instruction and student involvement. The latest changes aim to make learning more interactive, productive, and adaptable to various educational needs.
Enhanced Classroom Management With Class Tools
A key highlight of Google’s BETT 2026 showcase was the development of Class tools, a set of features integrated into Chrome OS that assist teachers in managing and engaging students during lessons. First introduced in 2025, Class tools allow educators to view student screens, share content, and control student device activity during class. This year’s updates expand those features with a Class tools display app, teacher-led screen sharing, and screen annotations that let teachers mark up content on shared screens.
The Class tools display app changes how devices work in the classroom by allowing teachers to mirror their Chromebook or a student’s screen to a central display. This makes it easy to showcase work, explain complex topics visually, or highlight exceptional student contributions. Screen annotations enhance interaction by letting teachers underline important information directly on shared screens, improving clarity and focus for students.
These updates help connect physical and digital teaching, giving instructors more control over lessons and promoting collaboration among students. Teachers can manage workflows without relying on third-party tools, making Chromebooks a stronger platform for classroom technology.
AI Integration With Gemini in Chrome
Another significant enhancement revealed at BETT 2026 is the integration of Gemini AI directly into Chrome on Chromebook Plus devices. Gemini in Chrome offers powerful generative AI features within the browser, allowing both educators and students to interact with content more easily.
With AI in the browser, users can create instant summaries and insights from long articles, extensive PDFs, or even educational videos. This feature is especially helpful in classrooms where students need to understand complex information quickly. Teachers can streamline lesson planning by pulling out key concepts, while students can engage more deeply with study materials without feeling overwhelmed by dense text.
Additionally, Gemini in Chrome works smoothly with Google apps—like Calendar and Gmail—through the browser’s side panel. This allows users to schedule meetings, check upcoming assignments, or manage administrative tasks without leaving their working tab, boosting productivity and flow during instructional time.
These AI-enabled features reflect broader trends in educational technology, where generative AI aids learning rather than replaces traditional teaching methods. They offer personalized support and context-aware tools that improve understanding and efficiency.
New Chromebook Hardware for Dynamic Classrooms
Along with software updates, Google and its partners showcased new Chromebook hardware designed to meet the needs of modern classrooms. Chromebook Plus devices, which are premium models with powerful performance specs, continue to grow the ecosystem with convertible, touchscreen, and detachable designs that fit various learning environments.
These new devices include AI-powered features like Text Capture, which allows users to extract and contextualize information from any screen, and Quick Insert with image generation to enhance educational content creation, such as lesson plans or project visuals. This hardware variety supports tasks ranging from sketching and note-taking to more engaging multimedia work, making Chromebooks versatile for students and educators.
To extend the life of classroom displays, new Chromebox OPS devices from manufacturers like AOpen, LG, and CTL were also introduced. These plug-in solutions turn standard classroom displays into ChromeOS-powered smart panels, enabling schools to modernize existing setups without expensive replacements. These innovations encourage schools to adopt digital tools while managing budget constraints.
Broader Implications for Schools and EdTech
Google’s updates to ChromeOS and Chromebook platforms reflect a wider educational shift towards technology-based learning environments. With AI tools that lower administrative burdens and hardware that promotes collaborative learning, schools can adjust to both in-person and hybrid classroom models more effectively.
For IT administrators, these improvements also simplify device management. Tools like Chrome Management and integrations with solutions like Lenovo Device Orchestration help schools support large groups of devices, monitor performance, and ensure security across campuses.
These features are important as institutions strive to provide equal access to technology, lessen the digital divide, and support personalized learning. By offering AI tools and advanced management features through Chromebooks, Google is reinforcing ChromeOS as a scalable platform for educational growth worldwide.
Looking Ahead
The BETT 2026 event highlights Google’s strategic focus on education technology that is both practical and innovative. By combining classroom-focused software updates, generative AI integration, and flexible hardware options, the company is positioning ChromeOS as a complete solution for modern educational challenges.
As schools continue to develop their digital strategies, these updates provide tools that support diverse learners, empower teachers, and help institutions embrace future-ready technologies. With ongoing investment and partnerships with hardware manufacturers, Chrome OS and Chromebooks are set to play an increasingly central role in classrooms worldwide.
