OPINION : Google has n’t launched its own Chromebook since the release of thePixelbook Goback in 2019 . That ’s very strange given it is the creator of ChromeOS , the operating system that powers the low - cost laptop .
That ’s not to say there ’s a lack of Chromebooks on the market , with the like of Acer , Asus , Lenovo and HP launching multiple models each year . But due to a Chromebook ’s affordable nature , there ’s arguably a dearth of founding – they either get sure-enough features trickle down from Windows machine , or nothing at all .
Google has seemingly tried to remedy the issue by establish itsChromebook Plusinitiative , which gives a Chromebook a special badge when they meet Google ’s minimum spec . But this will plausibly only make Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 CPU more popular rather than incentivising Chromebook - manufacturer to sample something unexampled . If Google want the Chromebook market to go on to get , it ’s going to need something more drastic .
One solvent is hiding in plain sight : a Google - made C.P.U. . This week Google launched both thePixel 8and Pixel 8 professional , both of which will be powered by the newGoogle Tensor G3processor . Back in 2019 , Google decided to start creating its own smartphone chipping to have more controller over the development of its Pixel phones , while also advertise intemperately into AI to specialize Pixel telephone set from other Android smartphones .
I ’d reason that this has been a hugely successful move . Google ’s innovations with the AI locomotive has set aside Pixel phones to become militant ( even with the iPhone ) for picture taking , while it ’s also enabled novel feature film such asMagic Eraserand Best Take that allow the mediocre somebody to make Photoshop - grade tweaks to snaps .
Apple and Samsung stay the dominant military unit , butGoogle was the degraded growing smartphone brand in North Americaduring Q1 2023 . Given the spirit level of success that the Tensor C.P.U. have helped the Pixel phones to achieve , I ca n’t help oneself but wonder why Google wo n’t make the same move for the Chromebook .
The Tensor silicon chip seems to be a stark burst for the Chromebook . It ’s not known for high performance , but that is n’t an takings for these affordable laptops . rather , Tensor mainframe speciate in AI carrying out , and this could be precisely what Chromebooks need to mount a serious challenge on their Windows rivals .
Windows - powered laptops have started to splash around with AI . TheSurface Pro 9andAcer Swift Edge 16have a dedicatedNPUin their chip , allowing them to make habit of AI - powered features such as Windows Studio Effects during video calls , let you to easy smutch your background , minimise background sound and keep your brain frame . They ’re sure enough telling , but scarce the secret plan - change features on the same stratum as Magic Eraser on Pixel phones .
Google is in a fantastic placement to leapfrog its rivals and become the loss leader in AI performance for laptop . It ’s already enabling Pixel users to make easy tweaks to photos and videos , and I ’d love that same functionality to come to Chromebooks . There ’s also a vast chance for Google to improve its own apps such as Gmail , Google Docs and YouTube , with AI help to boost productivity and make simple tasks much well-heeled for the average person .
Tensor would probably bring more advantage than AI carrying out too . Since Tensor is built onArminstead of Intel x86 , it will likely offer ranking electric battery efficiency than Intel Core and AMD Ryzen processor . That ’s a big win for me , as I often prioritise stamp battery life over performance when picking out a laptop computer for office work .
Google is in a unparalleled side to develop its own chip for a Chromebook too . When found a completely new central processing unit range , one of the biggest obstacles is to get it working in harmony with the operating system – sleeve scrap still do n’t spiel prissy with Windows , for example . But with Google already develop ChromeOS , it should n’t be a trouble to get Tensor running on a Chromebook .
If Google were to set in motion a Pixelbook with a Tensor poker chip , I genuinely conceive it could have a like effect on the laptop computer marketplace as theM1 - powered MacBook Air . It would belike become the gold standard for Chromebooks and finally offer an incentive , besides a lower price point , to pick a Chromebook over a MacBook or Windows motorcar .
Such a move makes so much sense that it would be silly for Google to leave out this opportunity . But then again , this is the same fellowship that cannedGoogle Stadiaafter just three age …
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