Skip to main content

WSJ: Google developing touchscreen Chromebooks

Chromebook-fl
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Ever wonder what Google has in store for its Chrome OS? It’s only natural to think that the company’s reserving it only for use on laptops or desktops – after all,Google already has Android for tablets and smartphones. However, according to a report published by the Wall Street Journal, the next Chrome devices might be touchscreen laptops, which could end up being very similar in form to many of the Windows 8 tablet-laptop hybrids we’ve seen popping up recently. 

The main distinction between Android and Chrome OS is that the Chrome OS was designed to depend on Web-based apps and programs, and to save your files on the cloud. If the report does indeed turn out to be true, it’s up to Google to entice developers to make apps for the touchscreen version of Chrome OS. There probably won’t be a huge difference in price point between Android and Chrome OS devices, seeing as there are many low- to mid-range Android phones and tablets out there. If the company decides to continue following the path Chromebooks have taken, the new touchscreen devices might also be geared toward the education sector

Of course, these are but mere conjectures at this point in time, as the WSJ didn’t name its sources and Google has declined to comment. As such, we’ve yet to know whether Google will be working with a limited number of manufacturers for the touch-capable Chrome devices, similar to how the company has partnered with Samsung and Acer for a number of its Chromebooks. If you ask NPD research firm’s Stephen Baker, Google making touchscreen Chrome devices is a no-brainer: “In the long run, to be competitive, most products are going to need touch,” he told the WSJ. Do you agree, or do you think Google shouldn’t be making products that will compete with its Android platform?

Editors' Recommendations

Mariella Moon
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Mariella loves working on both helpful and awe-inspiring science and technology stories. When she's not at her desk writing…
The 23 best Google Chrome themes in 2024
google wants to kill urls make the internet safer chrome url

There's lots of ways to add a little pizzazz to your Google Chrome browser's interface. The quickest way, though, is to just add a theme. In just a few clicks, you could be staring at a beautiful cityscape or a cute puppy instead of that default Google logo and a boring white background.

But if you're having trouble picking a theme from the sea of choices Chrome Web Store has to offer, we can help narrow your options down a bit. Below, you'll find our picks for the best Google Chrome themes. On our list, you'll find great options for minimalist themes, dark themes, colorful themes, landscape themes, cityscape themes, and even cute animal themes. With our list, you're sure to find the theme that's right for you.
Best minimalist themes
Chrome looks decent on its own. It's simple, straightforward, and easy on the eyes. If you like that style and you're looking for a theme that's along those lines, these minimalist themes are for you. They take that classic Chrome aesthetic and make some subtle changes.

Read more
How to sync your Outlook Calendar with your Google Calendar
aop version 28 best value 15 inch laptops

It can be difficult to keep track of multiple calendars worth of events. And it can be especially hard when they span different calendar apps like Google Calendar and Outlook. You might then be looking for a way to sync the two apps' respective calendars between them. If you are, you've come to the right place.

Read more
How to play Minecraft on a Chromebook
Minecraft on Chromebooks.

Playing Minecraft on your Chromebook is straightforward, easy, and frankly some of the best fun you can have on a Chromebook. You'll need to download and install it, but that shouldn't take long — it's not the biggest of games.

Want to start exploring a new blocky, voxel world on your Chromebook? Here's how to get Minecraft up and running.

Read more