OPINION: Google has a status for binning main tasks after just a few minor bumps within the highway. Google Glass and Google Daydream have each kicked the bucket in recent times.
And this week, The Verge reported that Google is cancelling its subsequent Pixelbook laptop computer, and shutting down the crew behind it. Contemplating Google’s observe report, this shouldn’t come as a significant shock.
However I actually thought the favored Pixelbook was one of many few units secure from the Google guillotine, and I can’t fairly perceive the corporate’s reasoning for canning it.
The Google Pixelbook first launched again in 2017, and was thought of a premium Chromebook that confirmed different producers that ChromeOS-powered laptops might supply as a lot type as a Home windows clamshell.
It wasn’t good, that includes poor audio system and a worth that got here too near high-end Home windows laptops such because the MacBook Air. Nevertheless it was nonetheless a terrific possibility for many who just like the simplicity of ChromeOS but craved a premium transportable.
In my eyes, the follow-up Pixelbook Go was even higher. Google watered down the specs with a view to give the transportable a extra reasonably priced worth, coming in at simply £629. And whereas it’s potential to search out even cheaper Chromebooks, few had such a high quality metallic construct and the choice for a 4K display screen.
There are only a few Home windows laptops that may compete with the Pixelbook at that worth – solely the Floor Laptop computer Go 2 springs to thoughts. However sadly, Google hasn’t up to date the Pixelbook Go since 2020, so it’s now feeling a bit outdated.
That’s a terrific disgrace, because it’s a good time for Chromebooks. Qualcomm has made nice strides with its laptop computer processors, seeing a wonderful efficiency and energy effectivity for portables such because the Acer Chromebook Spin 513. And whereas Google has beforehand caught with Intel chips, I don’t see why it couldn’t strike a take care of Qualcomm for not less than the bottom configuration.
We’ve additionally began to see high-end options trickle all the way down to the Chromebook market. It’s now potential to see Chromebooks with OLED panels and fingerprint scanners, providing an analogous expertise to Home windows laptops that value twice as a lot.
ChromeOS has actually matured over time too, and is now a terrific various to Home windows for many who desire a extra streamlined working system. The rise of cloud streaming additionally permits Chromebooks to play video games, making them extra versatile than ever earlier than.
With Google solely launching Google Stadia a few years in the past, it might make numerous sense for the corporate to push its personal Chromebook as the perfect transportable platform for the cloud gaming service.
Home windows laptops solely appear to be getting dearer too. The Honor MagicBook collection was among the best worth Home windows laptops in the marketplace, however the newest MagicBook 14 (2022) mannequin is occupying an analogous worth level as Apple’s MacBook Air. Consequently, I absolutely anticipate Chromebooks to change into a extra fashionable possibility for these unwilling to spend over £1000 on a laptop computer.
The Chromebook market is wanting more healthy than ever, so it’s an actual head-scratcher why Google has determined to cancel future Pixelbook tasks. It’s not a terrific look from the corporate that develops ChromeOS.
The Verge made an excellent level that the Pixelbook’s job is over, as Google doubtless solely needed to design it as a approach of displaying the potential of future Chromebook laptops. However why cease there?
I’d like to see a Pixelbook with a foldable display screen, or one other clamshell design with a 4K OLED show at an reasonably priced worth – think about how a lot of a killing that may make if accessible at an reasonably priced worth.
It will be nice to see Google create its personal laptop computer chip, taking place the Apple M1 route. Reviews from CNBC steered that Google was planning on doing precisely that following the reveal of its Google Tensor chip for the Pixel smartphones. However with the Pixelbook seemingly scrapped, I’m beginning to doubt whether or not that Google-made laptop computer chip will ever see the sunshine of day.
I additionally assume that ditching plans for the Pixelbook hurt Google’s status in the long term. It has canned so many {hardware} tasks at this level, that I’d be hesitant to ever buy Google {hardware} sooner or later.
So with all of that in thoughts, I feel it’s an enormous mistake for Google to cancel plans for the Pixelbook. However Chromebook followers shouldn’t be too upset, as I’m certain the trade will proceed to blossom with the likes of Acer, HP, Lenovo and Samsung main the cost.
Ctrl+Alt+Delete is our weekly computing-focussed opinion column the place we delve deeper into the world of computer systems, laptops, parts, peripherals and extra. Discover it on Trusted Critiques each Saturday afternoon.
