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[ThatObviousUser]

Official Google Blog: "Next step in the Chrome OS journey"

Last year we announced
a new kind of computer
This is the next step

All of you haiku fans (like many of us on the Chrome team) can stop here; the rest can read on for more details.

A year ago we introduced a new model of computing with the launch of Chromebooks. We’ve heard from many of you who’ve enjoyed the speed, simplicity and security of your Chromebooks at home, at school or at work. (Thanks for all the wonderful feedback and stories!) Today, we wanted to share some developments with you—new hardware, a major software update and many more robust apps—as we continue on our journey to make computers much better.

Next-generation devices
Our partner Samsung has just announced a new Chromebook and the industry’s first Chromebox. Like its predecessor, the newest Chromebook is a fast and portable laptop for everyday users. The Chromebox is a compact, powerful and versatile desktop perfect for the home or office.

Speed
Speed is integral to the Chrome experience. The new Chromebook and Chromebox, based on Intel Core processors, are nearly three times as fast as the first-generation Chromebooks. And support for hardware-accelerated graphics, a built-from-scratch multi-touch trackpad and an open-source firmware stack provide a much faster and more responsive computing experience. The new Chromebook boots in less than seven seconds and resumes instantly. With the Chromebox, you can be on a video conference while continuing to play your favorite role-playing game on the side.

An app-centric user interface
With the new user interface you can easily find and launch apps, and use them alongside your browser or other apps. You can pin commonly-used apps for quick access, display multiple windows side-by-side or experience your favorite apps in full-screen mode without any distractions.

Be much more productive...or not

• Get more stuff done, online or offline: With the built-in ability to view Microsoft Office files and dozens of the most common file formats, you can access all your content without the hassle of installing additional software. Google Drive makes it easy to create, store and share with just one click. Drive will be seamlessly integrated with the File Manager and support offline access with the next release of Chrome OS in six weeks. With Google Docs offline support (rolling out over the next few weeks), you can keep working on your documents even when offline and seamlessly sync back up when you re-connect. In addition, there are hundreds of offline-capable web apps in the Chrome Web Store.
  
  
• Have more fun: The revamped media player and a built-in photo editor and uploader enable you to easily play and manage your personal media collections. Through the Chrome Web Store, you can access entertainment apps such as Google Play, Netflix, Kindle Cloud Reader and Pandora, and thousands of games including popular games like Angry Birds and console titles such as Bastion.
  
  
• Carry your other computers...inside your Chromebook: With Chrome Remote Desktop Beta, you can now securely connect to your PC or Mac from your Chromebook or Chromebox. With the underlying VP8 technology, it’s almost like you’re in front of your other computers in real time.

The (always) new computer
We’ve released eight stable updates over the past year, adding a number of major features and hundreds of improvements to all Chromebooks through our seamless auto-update mechanism. There’s a lot more on the way, so all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the benefits of the (always) new computer.

For those who want to try the Chromebook and Chromebox first-hand, we’re expanding the Chrome Zone experience centers. In the U.S., Chromebooks will be available to try out in select Best Buy stores in the coming weeks. In the U.K., they’re now available in a growing list of PC World and Currys stores.

Starting today, you can get the new Chromebook and Chromebox from our online retail partners in the U.S. and U.K., and in other select countries over the coming weeks.

Posted by Linus Upson, Vice President, Engineering and Caesar Sengupta, Director of Product Management

Starting at $450 for the Wi-Fi model and $550 for the 3G model, the new Samsung Series 5 550 is a powered-up Chromebook housing double the RAM of last years' model, integrated Intel HD graphics, and more:

• 12.1" (1280x800) display
• 3.3 lbs / 1.48 kg
• 6 hours of continuous usage
• Intel® Core™ processor
• 4 GB RAM
• Built-in dual band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Gigabit ethernet, and 3G modem (opt) 1
• HD Camera
• 2 USB 2.0 ports
• 4-in-1 memory card slot
• DisplayPort++ Output (compatible with HDMI, DVI, VGA)

The Chromebox is more aimed at the desktop market. A low price of $350 gets you:

• Intel® Core™ processor
• 4 GB RAM
• Built-in dual-band WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n
• Gigabit ethernet
• 6 USB 2.0 ports
• 2x DisplayPort++ output (compatible with HDMI, DVI, VGA)
• DVI single link output
• Bluetooth 3.0™ compatibility
• Kensington™ key lock compatible

The Verge: "New Samsung Chromebook & Chromebox review: Chrome OS grows up"

The last version of the Chromebook simply didn't feel finished. The hardware wasn't able to keep up with any kind of heavy use, and the software didn't feel optimized. This time around, Google has ironed out nearly every kink: there are virtually no performance or stability issues, and the only way to give the OS problems is to work really hard to do so.

The Chromebook's hardware still feels a bit lackluster. The build quality and display are adequate without being anything special, and I prefer some of the design touches from the last-generation Chromebook. For the $449 price, though, you can get a pretty good Windows laptop, so you have to consider the tradeoffs. The Chromebook has great battery life, solid performance, and fantastic start-up time, but Windows still offers a world of apps and use cases that Chrome OS can't match.

Google is closer than ever to convincing the world that we can live online, that we can do away with the old hard drives and local apps and spend our lives on the web. If you're shopping for a dead-simple computer to use as a secondary machine or to give to someone with only basic computer needs, the latest Chrome OS machines are worth a long look.

But can it be your primary computer, your productivity workhouse and your entertainment machine? I'm not so sure. Not yet, anyway.

 

[gcubed]

its come a LONG way since its initial release... $450 though...

 

[esquire]

It's like two steps forward, three steps back.

Curious to know who is interested in their desktop. Chrome seems to make the least sense as a desktop but maybe there is something I'm not understanding.

 

[drspeedy]

Chromebook 1 was a waste of time, especially if you weren't online (like, say on an airplane)

I'll just sit on the sidelines and see how this plays out.

 

[ThatObviousUser]

its come a LONG way since its initial release... $450 though...

Yeah. :/ Both SKUs should be $150 less than they are IMO. $400 for a 3G Chromebook would be really tempting (for most people, I'm a Chrome OS whore so I'll be getting it soon anyways...)

It's like two steps forward, three steps back.

Curious to know who is interested in their desktop. Chrome seems to make the least sense as a desktop but maybe there is something I'm not understanding.

One could argue Chrome OS makes the most sense as a desktop OS, since in that case you're guaranteed to (almost always) have a data connection.

 

[Zombie James]

I really like the design of the Chromebox. If it had HDMI and was just a bit cheaper, it would make a great XBMC box.

 

[Keylime]

Pardon the newb question, but why does a ChromeBook need updated specs ever? Isn't it just a web-portal? Or is 4GB or RAM and updated graphics required to view HD video or something?

 

[mclaren777]

That Chromebox will surely be my mom's next computer.

 

[SimleuqiR]

I really like the design of the Chromebox. If it had HDMI and was just a bit cheaper, it would make a great XBMC box.

Yup. But I was told to hold off - since the next Google TV will be ICS base and have Chrome (browser).

I like the form factor. Love to have an Android base box like that.

 

[gcubed]

Pardon the newb question, but why does a ChromeBook need updated specs ever? Isn't it just a web-portal? Or is 4GB or RAM and updated graphics required to view HD video or something?

you can open tons of tabs and multiple browser windows, playing HD youtube, netflix, streaming music and playing games at the same time. The original hardware chugged mightily.

 

[andycapps]

Still use my OG pilot Chromebook every day and it still works great for what I use it for, which is pretty much emails and Facebook. This sounds a little more like what it should have launched as a couple years ago, but as others are saying, those prices are a bit high. Not saying it's not worth it, but to convince someone to buy your computer when it can't do as much as Windows but costs the same, that's just not worthwhile.

 

[dr3upmushroom]

What the hell are they thinking with the price? I'd buy one in a heartbeat if they were $300, maybe even $350, but when you can get an iPad for just a little more or less depending on the model, I really don't see any appeal in a laptop that just runs Chrome.

It'd be awesome if they had a student discount or something because I'd love to have one to keep in my backpack for note-taking and looking stuff up real quick during breaks between classes, but there's such better alternatives at that price.

 

[Izick]

Price just ins't right. Google could have done so much if they came in with a low-priced box that still functioned pretty well.

 

[ThatObviousUser]

I really like the design of the Chromebox. If it had HDMI and was just a bit cheaper, it would make a great XBMC box.

"2x DisplayPort++ output (compatible with HDMI, DVI, VGA)"

?

Pardon the newb question, but why does a ChromeBook need updated specs ever? Isn't it just a web-portal? Or is 4GB or RAM and updated graphics required to view HD video or something?

With web browsing, you still kinda want as much hardware power as possible. 4 GB RAM is sort of the minimum IMO for a 99% comfortable experience for an average user.

Remember, Google wants all applications to be on the web eventually. Someday, Photoshop will have a web app (well, a real one) and to munch all that JavaScript, browsers will need more than a little hardware oomph.

 

[Randdalf]

A very recent (2 hours ago) video of the OS for the interested http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntLPcVAyNPE

 

[Zombie James]

"2x DisplayPort++ output (compatible with HDMI, DVI, VGA)"

?

Does that mean passive adapters like this one would work or would I need one of those converter adapters?

 

[linko9]

Does that mean passive adapters like this one would work or would I need one of those converter adapters?

Yes, that'll work. My own laptop has the same port, and that simple adapter works fine.

 

[ThatObviousUser]

A very recent (2 hours ago) video of the OS for the interested http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntLPcVAyNPE

Lol, that guy isn't reading from a script or anything... Thanks for the link though.

 

[Tain]

The Chromebox does sound like a nice media machine for the price, but I don't think I'd use Chrome OS on it.

 

[giga]

Celeron 867 devices selling for $450, jesus. These devices will always be doomed for failure unless they can get them below 300. A limited OS doesn't help.

 

[ThatObviousUser]

OMG, the real megaton from that video:

Google+ notifications and profile/sharing area finally coming to YouTube!

 

[joeygreco1985]

So are Chromebox's at a point where I could use one as an HTPC? Emulators and USB controllers even an option? Too soon?

 

[Deadly Cyclone]

you can open tons of tabs and multiple browser windows, playing HD youtube, netflix, streaming music and playing games at the same time. The original hardware chugged mightily.

Indeed. I still have a test unit and don't use it because the thing is slow as hell now. Too bad they wouldn't send a new one out for free.

 

[ThatObviousUser]

So are Chromebox's at a point where I could use one as an HTPC? Emulators and USB controllers even an option? Too soon?

USB controllers may work, support for that got added to Chrome and Firefox last year.

As far as I can remember, there are GB, GBC, and NES emulators made in JavaScript. I forget, maybe a GBA one too but I doubt it.

 

[Boss Man]

OMG, the real megaton from that video:

Google+ notifications and profile/sharing area finally coming to YouTube!

I wonder if anyone will even notice when Google+ overtakes Facebook. One day we will just wake up and all be using Google+ instead of Facebook. It's like watching a tree grow.

 

[ThatObviousUser]

I wonder if anyone will even notice when Google+ overtakes Facebook. One day we will just wake up and all be using Google+ instead of Facebook. It's like watching a tree grow.

Reminds me of the move from MySpace to Facebook.

 

[ThatObviousUser]

Engadget reviews:

• Chrome OS
• Chromebook
• Chromebox

All the reviews seem positive overall (although Engadget complains about the 'book's battery life and Verge says it's great), especially when it comes to performance (doubly so given the specs under the hood*), though the running complaint is definitely the pricepoints, which are hard to defend.

* While it's a Celeron processor, it's actually based on Sandy Bridge. It's just a low-powered version (ideal for long battery life.)

 

[markot]

Why dont they just make an Android os for laptops and desktops >_<?

 

[ThatObviousUser]

Why dont they just make an Android os for laptops and desktops >_<?

Plug a keyboard, mouse, and monitor into an Android tablet. Boom. There's your Android desktop. Get an Asus Transformer and dock. Boom, Android laptop.

Chrome OS has benefits that can never be replicated completely on a traditional operating system, though.

 

[kehs]

OMG, the real megaton from that video:

Google+ notifications and profile/sharing area finally coming to YouTube!

I've had that for ages...?

 

[markot]

But it also has huge detrimentalists that will mean it never takes off in any meaningful way.

And no, those dont suffice as android kachiggas.

Microsoft and Apple have dektops/laptops/tablets/mobiles.

Google is missing on part of the eco system, desk and lap.

Load up my Android desktop computer to do stuff with my android apps... etc... sync to my tablet and phone... etc!

 

[ThatObviousUser]

I've had that for ages...?

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?

 

[which1spink]

I'd take one free w/ a 3g contract. Otherwise ... what's the point, really?

 

[kehs]

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?

Yeah, like...since feb or april I think.

 

[Lazy vs Crazy]

$450 for a Celeron?

You can get a i3 Windows laptop for $350.

 

[DietRob]

I've been thinking about getting a laptop again. I don't know if I would be willing to pay $450 for what the Chromebook is.

 

[ThatObviousUser]

Damn you CoCo!

$450 for a Celeron?

You can get a i3 Windows laptop for $350.

But can it run Chrome?

I've been thinking about getting a laptop again. I don't know if I would be willing to pay $450 for what the Chromebook is.

You can get a last-gen Series 5 pretty cheap. I got my mom one last week for $280 refurbished, was like new. The new desktop environment (Aura) is hardware accelerated so even older Chromebooks should see speed improvements, and as Engadget notes, it'll get better battery life than the newer models too. Also, the universally-praised keyboard and screen is the same between the two.

 

[DietRob]

You can get a last-gen Series 5 pretty cheap. I got my mom one last week for $280 refurbished, was like new. The new desktop environment (Aura) is hardware accelerated so even older Chromebooks should see speed improvements, and as Engadget notes, it'll get better battery life than the newer models too. Also, the universally-praised keyboard and screen is the same between the two.

Hmm.. Interesting option. I enjoy the entire Google ecosystem and would love to buy into their attempt at an OS.

I just want something that I can upload photos to Picasa on while traveling. So I don't need anything incredibly beefy. I have my desktop for that.

 

[ZackieChan]

Do they still do the deal where you pay monthly? I can't find it on their site. I think my girlfriend would want one for school. I had a great time with my CR-48 at school...if only it wasn't so damn slow! Google Docs chugged.

 

[ThatObviousUser]

Biggest disappointment with the new Chromebook: 3G instead of 4G. I mean it's powered by Verizon... and a full laptop device is exactly the kind of thing that needs 4G. Maybe they don't want to overload the network...

Hmm.. Interesting option. I enjoy the entire Google ecosystem and would love to buy into their attempt at an OS.

I just want something that I can upload photos to Picasa on while traveling. So I don't need anything incredibly beefy. I have my desktop for that.

Picasa sharing is built-in.

Do they still do the deal where you pay monthly? I can't find it on their site. I think my girlfriend would want one for school. I had a great time with my CR-48 at school...if only it wasn't so damn slow! Google Docs chugged.

That's only for schools and businesses. If you can convince your school to join into the program, you'll be set. Honestly, these are exactly the type of things they should be subsidizing

 

[gcubed]

Hmm.. Interesting option. I enjoy the entire Google ecosystem and would love to buy into their attempt at an OS.

I just want something that I can upload photos to Picasa on while traveling. So I don't need anything incredibly beefy. I have my desktop for that.

its still damn expensive for the hardware.

 

[makingmusic476]

Yeah, like...since feb or april I think.

Hm. I've never seen this before.

Did you have to enable this? Maybe its a gradual roll out like other Google features?

Requiring YouTube users to enable G+ accounts could be big for G+.

 

[kehs]

Hm. I've never seen this before.

Did you have to enable this? Maybe its a gradual roll out like other Google features?

Requiring YouTube users to enable G+ accounts could be big for G+.

I remember opting into some youtube feature a long time ago, but I don't think it was G+ specific. Might have been for the history.

Maybe it has something to do with this? https://plus.google.com/106538011801079824694/posts/b1f38Vuc3MA

I don't remember connecting the accounts though, actually, I never even had a youtube account. I don't even see the option under sharing.

 

[ThatObviousUser]

Ah, if you didn't have a YouTube account that might explain it. They're probably more hesitant to turn it on for those who originally had YouTube accounts then got upgraded into full Google accounts.

 

[TxdoHawk]

Kind of want a Chromebox, although having no support for monitor spanning (yet?) and three display-related inputs on the back is kind of dumb. I hope that's on the shortlist for patches.

 

[quaere]

Plug a keyboard, mouse, and monitor into an Android tablet. Boom. There's your Android desktop. Get an Asus Transformer and dock. Boom, Android laptop.

Chrome OS has benefits that can never be replicated completely on a traditional operating system, though.

No Android setup can even run the real Google Docs, docked or not. A sad state of affairs for a company that so desperately wants everyone to work in its cloud.

The Chrome Box should have been the 399 unlocked Galaxy Nexus.

 

[Polari]

Fine for schools and institutions who use Google Apps, still a crap solution for the general public. Why would anyone buy a Chromebook when you can get a Windows 7 laptop that's not only more powerful and with far greater utility, but cheaper?

 

[Polari]

Chrome OS has benefits that can never be replicated completely on a traditional operating system, though.

Not sure what these are where home users are concerned. Good security model sure, but probably holds little real-world advantage for home users over simply running something like Ubuntu which has far greater functionality. I haven't used Windows in 10+ years but hear even that's much improved these days. I don't understand why Google is even bothering trying to sell these to the public.

 

[outunderthestars]

OMG, the real megaton from that video:

Google+ notifications and profile/sharing area finally coming to YouTube!

I'm sure the 12 people actively using Google + will be super pumped about this.

 

[Polari]

Last thing... that $74 Android 4.0 USB stick computer from China would be a much better value proposition. Comes with a 1.5GHz ARM processor, 512MB of RAM and 4GB of storage. Bump that up to 1.7GHz dual core Snapdragon S4 and 2GB of RAM, pricing it at $150 and you'd have a Chromebox that makes sense.