Google’s Chromebook X leak sends mixed messages

By some measures, Android is the most-used working system on the planet. And Google achieved this act of domination in lower than 10 years, because of good decisions throughout a basic shift within the nature of human communication. And the Nexus and Pixel strains, whereas not as dominant as different Android producers like Samsung or Xiaomi, are a giant a part of that story. So why can’t Google stick the touchdown on any {hardware} moreover telephones?

A bit context. A latest report from 9to5Google says that Google is getting ready a giant push for its Chromebook laptops later this 12 months, introducing the “Chromebook X” label as a transparent indication of high-end fashions. It’s much like Dell’s XPS line or Intel’s Evo certification, a method for shoppers to shortly and simply inform a extra highly effective, premium Chromebook from the broad swaths of funds {hardware} that ChromeOS often seems on.

In line with the leaks, Chromebook X branding can be current on each the {hardware} and software program, with minimal specs for reminiscence, high quality screens and webcams, and new-ish processors from AMD and Intel (Zen 2+ or Core twelfth gen on the oldest). Further options within the OS itself, like time-shifting wallpapers, will add a bit of bling to the expertise. Whereas the value vary for this new sub-brand isn’t precisely set in stone, 9to5Google estimates that it will begin across the $400 mark and go up.

There’s only one downside: There’s no indication that Google will really be making any of this {hardware}.

Pixelbook issues

That’s not a shock. Google has been pretty agency in its declaration that it’s out of the laptop computer enterprise (and the adjoining, high-end pill enterprise, for that matter). The final official Google product operating ChromeOS was the Pixel Slate, a competitor to the iPad Professional and Floor strains that’s thought-about a flop even amongst Google followers.

Earlier than that the Pixelbook Go was well-received, however too costly in comparison with different Chromebooks with comparable capabilities. “Too costly” is a well-recognized descriptor for non-phone Google {hardware}, as the identical label was utilized to the far more premium Pixelbook, and the unique Chromebook Pixel, going all the way in which again to 2013.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

However whereas these laptops have been tiny when it comes to precise market share, they loom massive within the quick historical past of ChromeOS as a platform. That’s as a result of they’re the flagships, Google’s try to point out each shoppers and producers what ChromeOS is able to while you really make investments actual design chops into the {hardware}, not simply slapping the (principally) open-source OS on funds {hardware}. Even the Pixel Slate, flop that it was, demonstrated that Chrome can work on a primarily touch-based interface. With out it, I doubt we’d have wonderful hybrid pill devices just like the Lenovo Chromebook Duet.

Google wants a halo product

And it’s not as if Google wants this lesson. Samsung, and arguably Apple, have been pushed to larger heights of {hardware} simply primarily based on the existence of the Pixel telephone line. Google’s cell cameras are up there with the most effective within the trade, displaying the significance of picture processing over merely cramming in as many megapixels as potential. Microsoft’s Floor line is its halo product (no pun meant), demonstrating the newest and biggest in each Home windows capabilities and the path by which Microsoft sees PC pill and laptop computer bodily design going.

Samsung / Amazon

Chromebook X is sensible as a branding push proper now. Regardless of being in the marketplace for over a decade and some high-end choices just like the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook, Chromebooks are nonetheless largely seen as budget-only choices for customers who don’t want energy or functionality. However Google is making an attempt to shed this notion, even going as far as to supply “gaming” Chromebooks that may run Steam. And there are just a few premium fashions in the marketplace, although “premium” means “as much as about $1,000” on this context.

Google

But when Google actually needs to promote the concept that Chromebooks could be greater than fleet machines for colleges and “browser in a field” funds laptops, it wants to come back again to the {hardware} itself, prefer it just lately did with the Pixel Pill for Android tablets. Nothing says “I’m able to broaden my horizons” like displaying it in pure {hardware}. Sadly, Google’s latest post-pandemic push for cost-cutting might be why it’s going to ameliorate the danger of this branding push, by placing it on the shoulder of third-party producers. In order a lot as I’d prefer to see a real return of the Pixelbook, I gained’t maintain my breath.