Chromebook
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A Chromebook is a device that runs ChromeOS, a proprietary operating system developed by Google. Chromebooks are designed to be used primarily while connected to the Internet, with most applications and data residing in the cloud. They support web applications, as well as Android apps from the Google Play Store and Linux applications.
| Chromebook | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Chromebook logo. | |
| Type | Laptop |
| Introduced | 15 June 2011 |
| Related | Personal computer |
| Markets | Worldwide |
| Website | Official Website |
| Produced By | Various manufacturers |
History
The first Chromebooks, manufactured by Acer and Samsung, were announced at the Google I/O conference in May 2011 and began shipping on June 15, 2011.[1] In early 2013, Lenovo, Hewlett-Packard (now HP Inc.), and Google itself entered the market. Over time, Chromebooks have been produced by various manufacturers, including Dell, Asus, and Toshiba.
In May 2016, Google announced that Android apps would be available on Chromebooks via the Google Play Store, significantly expanding their functionality. In May 2018, Google introduced support for Linux desktop applications on Chromebooks through a virtual machine called "Crostini," further enhancing their versatility.
In October 2023, Google announced "Chromebook Plus," a new category of Chromebooks with minimum hardware specifications, including Intel Core i3 12th Gen or AMD Ryzen 3 7000 series processors, at least 8 GB of RAM, 128 GB of local storage, a 1080p IPS or better display, and a 1080p+ webcam. These devices support video editing with LumaFusion and web versions of Google Photos Magic Eraser and Adobe Photoshop.[2]
Hardware
Chromebooks are available in various form factors, including traditional laptops, desktops (known as Chromeboxes), tablets, and all-in-one devices. They are manufactured by a wide range of companies, offering different configurations to cater to diverse user needs. Early models primarily relied on solid-state drives for storage and emphasized minimal local storage, leveraging cloud-based data and applications.
Software
ChromeOS is a Linux-based operating system that uses the Google Chrome web browser as its principal user interface. Initially focused on web applications, ChromeOS has evolved to support Android apps from the Google Play Store and Linux applications, providing users with a broader range of software options.
Market Adoption
Chromebooks have found significant success in the education sector, particularly in the United States, due to their affordability, ease of use, and integration with Google's educational tools. By March 2018, Chromebooks accounted for 60% of computers purchased by U.S. schools. As of 2020, Chromebooks held a market share of 10.8%, surpassing the Mac platform.[3]
Updates and Support
Since 2021, all Chromebooks receive 10 years of regular automatic updates with security patches from Google, an increase from the previous 8-year support period. This extended support ensures that devices remain secure and up-to-date over a longer lifespan.[4]
See Also
References
- ↑ "Chromebook". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chromebook.
- ↑ "Chromebook Market Size". https://www.globalgrowthinsights.com/market-reports/chromebook-market-100396.
- ↑ "Chromebook". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chromebook.
- ↑ "Update your Chromebook's operating system". https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/177889?hl=en.