The Chrome OS has been steadily gathering a cult following and many versions of Chromebooks can now be found. Now, Google hopes that their operating system will gain steam, as the company introduces a redefinition of mobile OS, the Chromebit.
Made in partnership with another tech giant Asus, the Chromebit is like a USB flash drive. This dongle then connects into an HDMI monitor or TV, letting users access to Chrome OS and its features. Basically, the operating system is like a Chrome web browser with integrated OS file functions.
Asus made the Chromebit much like their low-end Chromebooks, with a Rockchip 3288 processor and connects to the Internet via WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0. It has 2 GB RAM and a 16 GB SSD internal storage, and also has a full-size USB 2.0 that users can connect accessories from.
The Chromebit may not pack a lot of processing power or internal storage, but Google is not targeting the desktop OS capabilities. Rather, the device is more of a mobile, stripped down version, capable of basic functions such as checking emails, light research on the web, or watching shows on program sites like Netflix.
Aside from the Chromebit, Google is also overhauling their latest batch of Chromebooks and made it more accessible. There is the Chromebook Flip, made by Asus, that is an all-metal laptop that converts into a tablet. It is also made much more mobile, measuring only 15 mm thin and weighs less than two pounds. It will be made available for just $249.
Aside from the Flip and Chromebit, two new devices were also launched that targets low-budget consumers. Both the Haier Chromebook 11 that is available at Amazon, and the Hisense Chromebook available at Walmart, are lightweight, fast, and with a very long battery life. They can replace mid-range laptops but with a low-budget price of only $149.
For the Chromebit, it will be made available in the summer and will sell for under $100.
