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Reflecting on the changes in the technology landscape since last year, it’s evident that excitement has waned, particularly concerning Chromebooks and Android tablets. The introduction of the Chromebook Plus was met with optimism, but that sentiment has shifted to a more cautious outlook as the culmination of market trends has surpassed expectations.
In particular, the Android tablet sector has seen minimal evolution. While Samsung continues to dominate the market, their strategy appears to be leaning towards budget-friendly options rather than pushing the envelope on high-end devices. Various competitors have emerged, attempting to revitalize a relatively stagnant environment.
Despite the lukewarm advancements, there are still several features I’d like to see from both Chromebooks and tablets as we approach the new year.
Increased Storage Options
It’s apparent that while many users primarily rely on cloud services like Google Drive for storage, a growing number still value local storage. Take the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus, for instance, which is limited to just 128GB of non-expandable storage—a situation that many find unsatisfactory. Although Samsung provides a microSD card slot to alleviate storage concerns, this isn’t a universal feature across all Chromebook models.
This limitation raises significant concerns, and enthusiasts are eager for manufacturers to address these issues. A model like the Framework Laptop Chromebook that offers robust storage flexibility would be especially welcome.
The Need for Advanced ARM Processors
All eyes were set on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X series as a potential game changer for Chromebooks, given that this lineup includes various processors aimed at diverse budgets while prioritizing performance and battery life. Yet, the absence of any Snapdragon X-powered Chromebook announcements by year-end was disappointing for many, especially considering the anticipation around potential performance upgrades.
Additionally, there were high hopes for Google to introduce a Chromebook powered by its Tensor chip, but those aspirations seem increasingly unlikely as time passes.
Demand for Compact Flagship Tablets
No matter my professional ties, I consistently rely on tablets in everyday life, which is why foldable phones appeal to me significantly—they emulate the benefits of a tablet while being portable. The market is in need of more compact flagship tablets, ideally in a size comparable to the Nexus 7 or slightly larger. With Samsung’s exit from creating 11-inch models like the Galaxy Tab S10, alternatives are becoming scarce.
Currently, options like importing the Lenovo Legion Y700 may be your best bet for a compact powerhouse. However, the longing remains for a high-performing device from Google, akin to a modern Nexus 7, which seems unlikely to surface anytime soon.
A Call for Google to Reconsider
The ongoing narrative surrounding Google’s rumored retreat from the tablet space raises concerns. While no official decisions have been announced, there’s speculation that the Pixel Tablet may become a standalone product without follow-ups—a scenario many find disconcerting.
Although the current Pixel Tablet is effective within its limits, it would greatly benefit from an improved development strategy. The tablet and its charging dock have proven invaluable tools for managing smart home functions, yet the device’s LCD panel and a refresh rate of 60Hz are seen as shortcomings that need to be addressed in future iterations.
Speculation About a Potential Pixel Laptop
There’s an intriguing possibility that Google may venture into creating a laptop powered by Android. While the consequences of such a move are uncertain, shifting from ChromeOS could raise concerns, particularly regarding the lucrative education market that Chromebooks serve.
If a Pixel Laptop were to materialize, it would be fascinating to see how it is presented, especially considering that many speculate this could inform their strategy regarding tablets going forward. Whether this gives rise to a traditional Android laptop remains a topic of keen interest.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding these developments, it’s clear that Google is pursuing innovative routes, particularly regarding enhancements to desktop features and the integration of a Linux terminal in recent Android updates.
Anticipation for Upcoming Changes in 2025
As we look ahead, speculation abounds regarding the direction of Chromebooks and tablets moving into 2025. Major shifts seem unlikely, as it appears that most companies will provide only incremental upgrades, while Google continues to refine its Gemini technology.
The introduction of more intuitive features, such as the “Quick Insert” key for Chromebooks, may emerge in the coming year, simplifying user interactions. There’s also chatter about a dedicated Gemini key resembling the recently adopted Copilot key in new Windows laptops, indicating a potential push to prioritize Gemini usage among consumers.
With continued updates to Gemini, Google’s aim to keep pace with competitors like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot is evident. However, the accompanying decisions from Google could spark controversy within the user community.
Ultimately, while the future remains uncertain, the hope for substantial improvements and a reinvigorated focus on user needs persists, positioning the new year as a critical juncture for the evolution of Chromebooks and tablets.
Source
www.androidcentral.com