This afternoon Google released their 2018 Google Pixel Slate on their Google Store and at Best Buy online. This is the same tablet shown for the first time at the Google Pixel 3 event on October 9th, 2018. This device is a 2-in-1 that comes in a wide variety of configurations - especially for a Chromebook. Just in case this release wasn't confusing enough from the start: this device runs Chrome OS.
The Pixel Slate is arguably one of the most exciting Chromebooks to land in the market. Or rather, that would be landing in the market. Although Google has basically revealed all at its Pixel event last month, the Chrome OS 2-in-1 remains out of reach of everyone. Unlike the Pixel 3 smartphones, Google’s replacement for Android tablets has yet to actually hit store shelves, both virtual and physical, with nothing but a “later this year” promise to hold on to. Fortunately, Google might not be waiting for the 11th hour to bring the Pixel Slate to the public, as it was just listed by the FCC, suggesting that we might just be a week or two away from actual launch.
The Samsung Chromebook Plus LTE for 2018 was put on sale today - so let's take a look at what's new. This isn't an all-new device - it's more of a refresh with a bump. If you already have a Samsung Chromebook Plus released in 2018, this is basically the same thing, with the potential to connect to LTE mobile data. You might also be able to find this device at a different location or two - but otherwise it's pretty much the same.
If there was still any doubt that Chrome OS is headed towards a multi-form future, release 70 of Google’s operating system should probably banish that. This version brings a couple of features that not only improves compatibility with Android apps but also adds features for more touch-friendly tablet use, like floating keyboard. While some Chromebooks do have touch screens, such features make more sense when used on touch-centric Chrome OS devices without any keyboard attached.
Barely two weeks ago, right around Google’s event, ASUS silently announced the Chromebook C423. Now it has done it again, not really announcing the Chromebook C523. The similarity in the name isn’t accidental. The two are, in many ways, identical. Both come in a traditional laptop form factor at a time when Chrome OS tablets seem to be the new trend. The difference is that the Chromebook C523 is larger than the C423. Not by much but enough to be ASUS’ first ever 15-inch Chromebook.
Earlier this week, Google introduced the world to the Pixel Slate, a new tablet that seems poised to take on Apple's iPad and Microsoft's Surface. The tablet seems like a pretty capable (albeit expensive) device depending on the configuration you choose, but one thing notably missing is LTE capability. Today, Samsung introduced the Chromebook Plus V2 (LTE), and it fills that particular gap with integrated LTE.
Google might soon be unveiling the top of the line Chromebook for this year but partner OEMs are steering clear by announcing their new devices first. HP has just unveiled the HP Chromebook x360 14 and now ASUS is doing likewise, this time aiming for more budget-constrained buyers. The ASUS Chromebook C423 probably won’t win awards in specs or design but, depending on the price, it delivers all the basic Chrome OS power you need without gimmicks and, hopefully, without a high price tag, too.
Chrome OS fans, not just Android fans, are just counting down hours before Google’s big event. And with good reason. The Pixel Slate, leaked to be the formal name of the Chrombook once known as the “Nocturne” could very well be the Chrome OS device you have been waiting for. Or should be waiting for. Because while Chromebooks and Chrome OS itself started out looking simply like yet another short-lived Google experiment, the Google Pixel Slate might very well demonstrate both Chrome OS’ potential as well as its realization.
HP has launched a new premium laptop running Google's Chrome OS, the new HP Chromebook x360 14. This model boasts convertible functionality, what HP calls a premium design, and durability thanks in part to a protective, decorative coating. Unlike many Chromebooks, the Chromebook x360 has a fairly large display at 14-inches, and it also packs 8th-generation Intel Core processors.
While majority of the interest for Google's event next week naturally revolves around the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL phones, the event will most likely go beyond that. There's the already leaked Google Home Hub and the recently leaked new Chromecast. And then there's the Google Pixel Slate, the Chromebook believed to be internally called "Nocturne". This tablet-like device is going to be a lot of firsts for Google, including the first time it concedes space with another and rivaling operating system.
Who needs secret insider sources when you’ve got accessory makers who seem to be too excited to stay silent. That is often true for smartphones but it seems Chrome OS now has a similar problem. Brydge, who makes Bluetooth keyboards for iPads, has just “accidentally” put up images of its upcoming keyboard for the upcoming new Google Pixelbook Chromebook. But if that weren’t enough, Brydge was kind enough to provide images showing what this “Nocturne” tablet would look like.
Last year, Google launched a new app called Family Link for Parents. This app introduced a number of parental controls for parents of children using Android devices, allowing them to see things like their child's device activity, manage in-app purchases, and set limits on screen time. Today, Family Link is getting a rather interesting expansion, as Google says that parents will soon be able to use it to monitor their teens' devices as well.