Almost two and a half years have passed by since Google introduced the second-generation Chromebook Pixel, the successor to its original high-end Chrome OS laptop that it released in 2013. It looks like a new model is on the way, and it could arrive very soon.
In the next few weeks, Google will be hosting its autumn hardware event, where it will unveil its new Pixel flagship phones - the "showcase" devices for Android 8.0 Oreo, which it announced yesterday. According to Android Police, Google is planning to reveal its 2017 Chromebook Pixel at the same event - but details about the new notebook are somewhat hazy.
There is some speculation that the new Chromebook rose from the ashes of Google"s ill-fated Andromeda project - an effort to develop a unified operating system combining the best bits of Android and Chrome OS, which was reportedly abandoned earlier this year. Shortly after reports of Andromeda originally surfaced, rumors emerged of "Project Bison", which was destined to be the launch device for the new OS, with an ultra-thin laptop form factor and a 12.3-inch touchscreen, along with up to 16GB RAM, 128GB storage, and an optional Wacom stylus.
It"s possible that the new Chromebook Pixel was developed from the Bison hardware project, but that remains far from certain.
In addition to the new notebook, Google is also expected to introduce a smaller version of its Home smart speaker, but details on that device are thin on the ground too. Aside from its diminutive size, the new speaker is also likely to carry a smaller price tag than the current model, which is currently available for $129.
Source: Android Police