Google may be planning to launch a Chromebook laptop with a 4K display, judging by a new device spotted hiding within the Chrome OS code.
While delving into the Chromium OS source code, the XDA Developers spied a device codenamed Atlas, with a screen resolution of 3840 x 2160. That’s 4K.
The ‘Altas’ Chromebook will have a 16:9 aspect ratio, according to the reference. However, there’s no SD card slot for additional storage or media transfer (via The Verge).
Naturally, there’s a keyboard, a touchpad and a touchscreen mentioned. There’s no mention of the size of that display though.
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Should Google announce the higher-end Chromebook, it would succeed its own Pixelbook laptop, which has a 2400 x 1600 resolution and a 12.3-inch display.
We awarded the £999 Google PixelBook a solid 8/10 score and called it the ‘best Chromebook on the market’. We praised its excellent battery life, great performance and the thin-and-light design.
Our reviewer wrote: “The PixelBook is the first premium Chromebook I’d truly recommend. It isn’t perfect on the software side of things, but it’s more than usable for almost any task you’d throw its way. Of course, the usual uncertainties about whether the software you like to use will actually be available remain, but that’s a consideration you’ll have to make yourself.
“Overall, its keyboard oddities and Android software weirdness fall into insignificance next to great performance, awesome battery life and a thin and light build. This is a truly desirable laptop.”
With Google I/O on the horizon in a month’s time, there’s a chance the device could make a rapid appearance. We’re also expecting Android P to arrive, as well as some Chrome OS developments.
Join us for coverage on May 8.
Do you think there’s a market for a super high-end Chromebook to rival Windows and macOS? Drop us a line @TrustedReviews on Twitter.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.