Google has announced it’s taking a major new step into the hardware business, with the release of a high-end laptop based on its Chrome OS laptop.
Chrome OS is an operating system based on the Chrome web browser that, in effect, uses Chrome browser tabs to run all its apps from the cloud.
In a post on the company’s official blog, Google announces that it is taking on several of its Chrome OS hardware partners, including Samsung, Acer, Lenovo and HP, in releasing the new device.
However, where previous Chrome OS devices have predominantly targeted the low-end of the market, Google is marketing the new device to compete against high-end Windows and MacBook laptops.
“The Pixel has been engineered with the highest quality components to ensure it’s comfortable to use all day long and meets the needs of demanding power users,” Google states.
“The body of the Pixel is made from an anodized aluminum alloy to create a smooth and durable surface; vents are hidden, screws are invisible and the stereo speakers are seamlessly tucked away beneath the backlit keyboard.”
The new device boasts an Intel Core i5 Processor, solid state Flash memory, a screen resolution of 239 pixels per inch, a 720p webcam and 1 terabyte of storage on Google Drive.
The new device will be available through Google Play, with WiFi version ($US1,299 in the U.S. and £1,049 in the UK) to start shipping next week and a 4G LTE version ($US1,449) to ship in the US starting in April.
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Andrew Sadauskas is a former journalist at SmartCompany and a former editor of TechCompany.
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