Yes, Virginia, we're getting a new Chromebook Pixel 2. Variously described as a "flagship," a "development platform," or a "proof of concept," the device is keenly awaited by a small, if vocal, minority of Chrome OS fans.
"Mrs. Nemo" accidentally pre-announced it yesterday, but the release date should be during Google I/O 2015, in late June.
In IT Blogwatch, bloggers reach out and touch the cloud.
Your humble blogwatcher curated these bloggy bits for your entertainment.
Our own Mark Hachman is not the man for a hatchet job:
A video has reportedly surfaced where Google executives confirmed [a] new Chromebook Pixel...2’s existence. ... Renee Niemi, who runs Android and Chrome for Work and Education at Google, reportedly confirmed [it] at Google’s TeamWork 2015 conference, a partner event.
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The Pixel may be a "development platform," but it's also the flagship for the Chromebook category. [It's] a premium product: beautiful, powerful—and expensive...(though the cheaper Chromebooks remain the best sellers).
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Google representatives did not respond to requests for comment. MORE
T'was Joey-Elijah Sneddon that broke-the story:
Niemi announced that a successor to the high-end 2013 model is on the way, but stressed that Google will only be making a small number of them.
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It still has a 12.85-inch screen at a presumably equally eye-popping resolution as the first...and we know it will feature the new reversible ‘Type-C’ USB ports. ... Might it also feature Intel’s powerful new Skylake processor? There’s been plenty of chatter, and quickly hidden bug references, to a Chromebook that ‘docks’ with a keyboard. MORE
I met Ron "ron ron" Amadeo on a Monday: [You're fired -Ed.]
The Pixel is seen as the flagship Chromebook, but the original was released two years ago and is definitely showing its age. ... While normal Chromebooks are usually a few hundred dollars, the original Pixel started at $1,300. [But it has] a lot of forward-looking features, like a touchscreen and a high-resolution 2560×1700 display.
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Chrome has started to close the gap between Web apps and smartphone apps by adding support for smartphone hardware like GPS and accelerometers [and] developing Chrome OS features aimed at a tablet...like a software keyboard, so perhaps the screen will be able to detach. ... Google I/O 2015 is just a few months away. MORE
But Robert A. Petersen proudly wears his pomaceous colors:
Pointless. For the asking price makes more sense to spend slightly more on a Retina MacBook that’s more than a browser, or a tablet, or even a cheap "throw away" netbook is more capable. MORE
Meanwhile, dsigned001 sounds slightly sarcastic:
2015: the year of Linux on the desktop! MORE
You have been reading IT Blogwatch by Richi Jennings, who curates the best bloggy bits, finest forums, and weirdest websites… so you don't have to. Catch the key commentary from around the Web every morning. Hatemail may be directed to @RiCHi or itbw@richi.uk. Opinions expressed may not represent those of Computerworld. Ask your doctor before reading. Your mileage may vary. E&OE.
