Introduced throughout Google I/O convention in Might 2011, Chromebooks noticed the Alphabet firm enter the laptop computer area by way of the discharge of gadgets from Acer and Samsung a month later. 

A number of years later, Lenovo, HP and Google itself started to drop their very own variations of the lightweightr laptop computer, and given their affordability and ease of use, it’s straightforward to know why Chromebooks have reached 56.1 million shipped items between 2021 and 2022. 

All one of the best Chromebooks are reasonably priced as a result of their light-weight Chrome OS, which depends closely on on-line and cloud-based capabilities, that means you do not want particularly high-end {hardware} to ensure that them to run. 

Not like Home windows or Mac laptops, Chromebooks can use much less highly effective and cost-effective elements, making them a budget-friendly selection for customers looking for fundamental computing wants. These attributes have made them excellent for instructional and enterprise functions through the years since launch. A lot that Apple is reportedly seeking to make the same product. This is among the many the reason why 2024 seems set to be Chromebooks’ finest yr but and right here’s why. 

The Yr of Chromebook Plus 

Chromebooks are recognized for being low-powered machines that make the most of the net for numerous apps and instruments. After all, this has made the working system underpowered for extra intensive artistic and gaming duties. That is the place Chromebook Plus hopes to vary trendy expectations of the place Google’s laptop computer working system can go. 

Google revealed its new Chromebook Plus sequence this yr that includes upgraded specs together with Intel Core or AMD Ryzen CPUs, 1080p show, 8GB RAM, and 128GB storage. 

The lineup additionally consists of numerous Google software program options like Google Images Magic Eraser, offline file sync, AI-powered video conferencing enhancements, and extra. Chromebook customers will obtain free perks like a three-month Photoshop on the Internet subscription, and present Chromebook homeowners assembly the {hardware} necessities will get a free replace to the Chromebook Plus software program.

Steam catalog finally making Chromebooks enjoyable outdoors of labor 

Between Chromebook Plus upping the efficiency specs sufficient to at the very least play Minecraft, Steam formally started supporting Google’s laptop computer working system this yr. Whereas not pre-installed by default, the Steam installer now resides within the app drawer, making it accessible for players to put in. 

This growth follows Google’s 2020 announcement of plans to implement Valve’s platform for ChromeOS, with testing starting in March 2023. To this point, standard video games from the Left four Lifeless 2 to Stardew Valley and Cuphead have been discovered operating on sure Chromebooks. 

Nevertheless, Steam assist will solely be obtainable on sure gaming-capable Chromebook fashions. Be conscious that older funds Chromebook fashions gained’t have the ability to do any type of gaming however extra trendy and future laptops will certainly have the ability to have a little bit of enjoyable going ahead.

ChromeOS Flex & excessive extended usability 

Google’s renewed deal with machine longevity and repairability this yr comes after the corporate confronted criticism for abandoning older Chromebook fashions, and in response, Google got here up with a intelligent option to restore older Home windows laptops and Macbooks: ChromeOS Flex. The brand new OS is a cloud-based, light-weight OS that may rework outdated PCs and Macs into Chromebook-like gadgets, initially geared toward companies and college students. Google has indicated that it hopes to increase assist to older Chromebooks as nicely. 

Putting in it requires a USB drive with adequate area for a bootable model, and whereas Chromebooks cannot run Flex at present, this will change sooner or later. It is unclear when this replace will launch, because the venture is in its early phases. If the Flexor venture succeeds, nonetheless, it might supply an answer for older Chromebooks, although the precise assist length stays unsure. RIght now, it’s one of the best ways to supply an extended shelf life for numerous laptops outdoors of Google’s Chromebooks. 

Extremely Wideband 

Google additionally seems to boost Chromebook usability by integrating Extremely Large Band capabilities. 

UWB permits energy-efficient, high-bandwidth, short-range communication between gadgets, with information switch speeds of as much as 1Gbps. Whereas at present used for machine positioning and actions in some Android and Apple merchandise, its potential extends past these restricted use instances. UWB might probably change Bluetooth, NFC, and even Wi-Fi as a result of its high-frequency bands. 

In Chromebooks, this integration might introduce an ‘Airdrop’ characteristic just like Apple gadgets, together with improved Chromebook-to-Chromebook and Chromebook-to-Cellphone connections. This characteristic would simplify file sharing and machine connectivity, permitting customers to seamlessly switch work between Chromebooks and Google telephones or tablets. 

Though the know-how is in its early phases, Google is exploring numerous purposes, hinting at thrilling potentialities sooner or later. This growth might place Chromebooks to outperform their rivals by way of usability.