If you grease one’s palms a Chromebook lately , you’re able to now expect to hold on to it for at least a decennary . GoogleannouncedThursday that , beginning next yr , any Chromebooks released in 2021 and beyond will get ten years of automatonlike updates . The ship’s company is also pushing for more repairability for its cloud - based laptop computer and more sustainable materials . It ’s all to ensure you beat with a Chromebook for your low - price laptop need . The modification comes on the heels of reports of grow piles oftrashed , defunct Chromebooks from schoolsthat have no idea what to do with the e - wasteland .
Previously , Google support package updates for up to 8 years for Chrome OS . This new decade - long timeline is a nicer sell . In its C. W. Post , Google punctuate its promise is “ more than any other operating system commits to today . ” But it fails to mention that ’s because the Chromebook ’s operating system is based on a browser app . Chrome o may have most of the fixings of background software package like Windows and macOS , including the ability to runconsole - grade game , but at its nitty-gritty , it ’s a platform that perform best when connected to the net . Unlike an senior desktop or laptop , if a Chromebook ca n’t run its web internet browser , it ca n’t prevail .
Unfortunately , Chromebooks released before 2021 wo n’t harvest the benefit of the ten - yr timeline . But you may opt - in for automatic update for specific model , including the2017 - earned run average Pixelbook , which I keep charged for the periodic check - in with one of the expert laptop Google ’s ever made . you’re able to check Google’ssupport forumsto see if your Chromebook is supported .
The Acer Chromebook 516 GE is among the Chromebooks that will receive automatic updates for ten years.Photo: Florence Ion / Gizmodo
If your ancient Chromebook is n’t on the list , Google skip you ’ll be comforted by the Verified Boot feature , which checks in at start - up with a database to ensure your system has n’t been “ tampered with or corrupted ” by known malware . The company also encourages school IT administrators observe hundreds of these devices a year to consider theChromebook Repair Program , which help in finding parts and guide for fixing specific framework .
Chromebooks are still trending well among the low - toll subset . But thing areslowing down , peculiarly since the cut-rate sale craze at the tallness of the pandemic , when everyone needed a laptop at home to get anything done .
Will the commitment to a lengthy software update life history keep schools and other individuals interested in the Chromebook long - full term ? That remains to be seen . For now , Google appear to be in maintenance modality as it attempts to sweeten the deal for folks who are either still considering a Chromebook or live buyer ’s compunction . Especially as rumor ramp up thatApple may be comingfor its business organization .
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