Google‘s Chromebooks have always stood apart from other laptops in one distinct way – the ‘Everything Button’, a dedicated key for search and access to Google’s suite of apps and services. However, a new button could soon be joining the party according to a recent discovery – a key specifically for Google Assistant, the tech giant’s virtual assistant technology.

Files found in the Chromium Repositories, the open-source backbone of ChromeOS and the Chrome browser, reference an upcoming and previously unknown Chromebook codenamed ‘Xol’. The oblique moniker likely refers to the popular video game Destiny 2, following past Chromebooks named after gaming franchises like The Witcher and Skyrim. Little is known about Xol other than its apparent use of an Intel 13th-gen CPU, an odd choice given Intel’s newer 14th-gen chips are already available.

The key detail is Xol’s inclusion of a hardware-mapped Google Assistant key, similar to those found on Google’s former flagship Pixelbook models. This might suggest a Pixelbook revival, but Google appeared to move away from first-party Chromebook development when it discontinued the Pixelbook line in 2022. More likely is that Assistant integration reflects a greater focus on AI capabilities.

With AI permeating technology from chatbots like ChatGPT to video generation tools such as Sora, emphasis on AI makes sense for new Chromebooks. A dedicated Assistant button would provide quick access to AI features, promoting adoption among less tech-savvy users. However, Google recently announced Gemini, a new collection of AI products succeeding Google Assistant. Replacement is still in progress, but the timing suggests the mystery button could be for Gemini rather than the outgoing Assistant.

‘Gemini Key’ has a nice ring to it, and paired with the Everything Button, could be a worthy addition for simplified access to Google’s latest AI suite. Seamless AI integration is core to Chromebook’s focus on usability. Unfortunately, without a dedicated Neural Processing Unit, Xol may lack the specialized silicon to fully capitalize on Gemini.

Whatever Xol represents, its final form remains uncertain. Many early Chromebook projects fail to launch, so this one may stay behind the scenes. However, the concept of a dedicated AI key highlights the importance of artificial intelligence in ChromeOS’ future. If not Xol, we may see a Gemini-powered Chromebook sooner than later.