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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Google introduced the Googlebook, a brand new premium laptop computer line.
- Chromebooks will proceed to obtain assist.
- Chromebooks give attention to affordability, whereas Googlebooks goal for a premium expertise.
Throughout a latest briefing forward of its I/O developer convention, Google revealed the Googlebook, a brand new class of laptops that mixes ChromeOS OS and Android right into a single working system.
The arrival of this unique system raises an vital query: Are Chromebooks going away? In response to Google, the reply is a powerful “No”. In a digital roundtable, Alexander Kuscher, Google’s pill and laptop computer lead, clarified “Chromebooks should not useless” — no less than for now.
Why Chromebooks will proceed
Even when Google wished to finish assist for Chromebook tomorrow, it realistically could not, as they’re embedded throughout a number of shopper sectors. Bryan Lee, VP of ChromeOS Enterprise Go-to-Market, instructed ZDNET that “Chromebooks have change into a useful instrument for academic establishments, companies, and customers… We completely intend to proceed investing in these experiences and supporting these customers.”
Plus, Chromebook have a 15-year head begin over Googlebooks. It will seemingly take years for the latter to achieve the same degree of adoption.
Additionally: One of the best Chromebooks for college kids in 2026: Knowledgeable examined and reviewed
The opposite key issue is intent. Chromebooks are primarily designed for on a regular basis customers. Googlebooks, alternatively, are extra premium units, geared toward execs and energy customers — significantly with Android smartphones. In truth, one of many Googlebook’s defining options is a merged OS, enabling seamless entry to their Android smartphone on the laptop computer with no obtain required.
And at last, there may be Google’s long-term dedication to ChromeOS. The corporate has pledged to proceed supporting and updating Chromebooks by way of 2034 so they don’t seem to be disappearing anytime quickly. Nonetheless, that raises one other query: What occurs after 2034? Will Google finally part out Chromebooks and ChromeOS in favor of Googlebooks and its working system? Perhaps.
The way forward for Chromebooks
Google, as an organization, has by no means been shy about discontinuing services in favor of newer initiatives. Simply take a look at the Google Graveyard; there are 300 entries as of this writing.
Bear in mind: the Googlebook is touted as a “premium” machine. Down the road, it is potential that Google might introduce a brand new line of midrange Googlebooks that instantly overlap with the Chromebook market. Not seeing any level in holding two reasonably priced traces, it might sooner or later pull the plug on Chromebooks, however the Googlebook market would must be well-established at that time.
Additionally: Home windows rivals to MacBook Neo are right here – however I am extra excited for Google’s response
As of now, nothing has been confirmed. We’re nonetheless eight years away from the at the moment acknowledged end-of-support date for ChromeOS. Lee additionally instructed ZDNET that extra Chromebooks are at the moment in growth, and the corporate is restocking BackMarket with ChromeOS Flex USB drives.
For many who do not know, these are flash drives preloaded with ChromeOS Flex. They permit customers to put in Google’s light-weight working system onto older laptops. BackMarket highlights them as a strategy to breathe new life into getting older Home windows 10 PCs (and even older MacBooks).
