Google May Be Developing Hi-Res Chromebook In-House
A video has appeared showcasing an in-house built Chromebook Pixel.
Android Authority has acquired a video originally posted on Google Plus that showcases a supposed new Chromebook design currently in the works. Called the Chromebook Pixel or Google Link, the unconfirmed device packs a full touchscreen display with a 2560 x 1700 resolution. Google is reportedly testing the new design now, so don't expect a product release any time soon.
The clip was posted on Google Plus by developer Francois Beaufort, but was taken down shortly thereafter. The description said that it was designed by Google "down to the last pixel", indicating that this Chromebook may have been created in-house. If anything, it's likely a collaboration with one of its Chrome OS or Android OEMs to create a first-party Google Experience device.
Android Authority, which grabbed the video before it was pulled from Google Plus, points out that the clip was made by a company called Slinky.me. This company's CEO, Victor Koch, jumped on Google Plus and said that hackers broke into the servers, stole videos of projects Slinky.me was working on, and threw them up on YouTube. Sure they did, pal.
Last week rumors surfaced that Google was working on a "Nexus" Chromebook, following in the footsteps of Apple and Intel and their quest for a "light and thin" form factor. Like its current Nexus products, Google was believed to be collaborating with one of its partners to produce a Nexus-branded (or Pixel-branded?) laptop with Chrome OS.
The China Commercial Times said last week that Google placed hardware orders with Taiwanese manufacturers Compal Electronics and Wintek to produce a Chromebook with a 12.85-inch touch display. Somehow this turned into a rumor that Google may actually merge Android and Chrome OS even though Chrome OS is basically the Chrome browser on a Linux foundation.
However the only thing missing from this current equation is that Chrome for Android currently doesn't support Web Apps which is the whole point of Chrome OS. Yet Google has always hinted that both would eventually become one, so maybe the time has come with the launch of this new Nexus/Pixel Chromebook. Even more, maybe this is a sign that Chrome for Android will support apps from the Chrome Web Store in the near future.
Looks like Google I/O 2013 will be rather busy come this June.
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Kevin Parrish has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and product tester. His work focused on computer hardware, networking equipment, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others.
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sacre CoolReply
When Apple released that whole "Retina display" I actually found that to be amazing. Having that insanely high resolution on a display makes a hell of a difference. No need for Antialiasing.
Calm down fanboys im not saying Apple invented this. Im just saying its an awesome feature and I think thats where we should be heading (faster).
Super high resolutions on monitors... mmmmm... the detail...color... mmm -
nukemaster theclash1502560 x 1700 is quite the interesting screen resolution.I think for computer work, I like it much better that way then the more wide screen 16:9 ratio.Reply -
JOSHSKORN Just develop a ChromeTop already. Plug your phone into a Desktop Monitor and you have a ChromeTop where you can utilize your favorite Logitech or whatever keyboard/mice.Reply -
susyque747 I like my Gmail but the rest of cloud can kiss my clit, I'll take a Mac Air instead.Reply -
thillntn looks like this thing uses a barrel jack power adapter????how bout wireless charging or something google :) ?Reply -
boiler1990 The only issue I have with the Chromebooks is that I can't do what I need to do on them. Otherwise I'd be all over this.Reply -
InvalidError nukemasterI think for computer work, I like it much better that way then the more wide screen 16:9 ratio.16:9 does feel somewhat awkward for most stuff aside from video. I'm using one in portrait mode for reading/coding, takes a while to get used to having almost two pages worth of stuff vertically. 16:10 isn't a whole lot different but it usually looks like a more natural fit for conventional desktop applications.Reply
2560x1700 is roughly 3:2... 16:10.6, so slightly square-er than 16:10 still.