This secret Samsung laptop may merge ChromeOS with DeX

By Aaron Leong Published May 22, 2023

Samsung might be developing an Exynos-powered hybrid laptop essentially combining the DeX interface with ChromeOS.

Bringing back a codename from an unrealized concept in 2020 — the DeXBook — Samsung is once again rumored to be working on a Chromebook laptop with an integrated DeX interface. Exact details are sparse, except that the laptop is expected to utilize Exynos SoCs based on 5nm or 7nm nodes. Unlike DeX docks currently on sale, the hybrid DeXBook is looking for a more integrated approach.

Recommended Videos

[Exclusive]

Samsung is considering about integrating Dex with Chrome OS, possibly through DexBook(codename). DexBook could feature 7/5nm Exynos chipsets and may be announced alongside a Galaxy Book with a dedicated Exynos chip for WOA (Windows on ARM). pic.twitter.com/XBP37dQOCJ

— Connor/코너/コナー (@OreXda) May 17, 2023

As it is, DeX is Samsung’s proprietary software that allows users to connect their Galaxy smartphones to monitors or TVs, and more recently, also brings that interface to Windows and iOS machines via USB cable and an installed app. Having a DexBook might prevent the need for cables, app installs, and tethered devices.

How the DeX-ChromeOS implementation will look is something we’re curious about. Perhaps the Windows-DeX version is a good indicator, whereby a PC runs the DeX in a separate window, which in and of itself is OneUI in a Windows-like UI. It is therefore possible that the DeXBook will function the same way.

We also wonder if the DeXBook idea brings any value to the equation. With ChromeOS’s Phone Hub soon allowing the streaming of apps from your phone, and not to mention that both DeX/OneUI and ChromeOS both already run Android apps, it’s hard to see the need for what essentially works like a OneUI emulator for ChromeOS. DeX is fantastic when connected to an external display, but in this context, it might be a hard sell.

Former Computing Writer

Aaron enjoys all manner of tech - from mobile (phones/smartwear), audio (headphones/earbuds), computing (gaming/Chromebooks)…

Topics

Computing

How ChromeOS Flex turns old PCs into Chromebooks for free

Chrome OS Flex on a ASUS laptop.

If you have an older MacBook or Windows system somewhere around your house, there's a chance you might that the device might be "too slow" or isn't getting security or major operating system updates anymore.

Microsoft's fading out of older Windows versions, strict requirements for Windows 11, and Apple's allowing newer MacOS versions to run on select Macs might have your computer in the dust. Even in the enterprise space, it is very expensive to replace older devices.

Computing

Chromebooks might get another great feature from Windows laptops

Google Meets on an HP Chromebook.

Some premium Windows laptops have a nifty feature that can detect your presence and lock the screen for your security, or even track you to improve your digital well-being. This is something that current ChromeOS devices don't yet support, but there's now an indication, spotted by Chrome Unboxed, that it might already be in the works for a new Chromebook model.

This is all being fueled by a listing in the Chromium repository that mentions "body detection" for a Chromebook that goes by the name of "Crota." This Chromebook apparently has the 12th-generation Intel Alder Lake CPU and could be coming in early 2023. Adding to that speculation is the fact that @wistron is attached to the email domain in the listing, which Chromeunboxed finds is typically associated with Dell's involvement in a project.

Computing

Chrome OS to soon run everywhere, including on PCs and Macs

Google Chrome opened on a laptop.

Soon youou won't need a dedicated Chrome OS-powered device, like a Chromebook, to run Google's desktop operating system.

Google has announced an early access program called Chrome OS Flex that will bring its operating system to existing Windows and Mac hardware, making it easy and simple to not only run Chrome and benefit from security updates, but also to gain access to Android apps.