Google has announced that it will shut down its cloud-based gaming service Stadia next year. Not long after this news, Goolge made a new announcement: Chromebooks optimized for cloud-based games. In this way, the company aims to turn new Chromebook devices into game boxes that rise above the ChromeOS platform.
More than 1500 games can be played
Software giant Google announced that it has partnered with cloud gaming services such as Nvidia GeForce Now, Microsoft Xbox Cloud Gaming and Amazon Luna, announcing that more than 1500 games will be available on Chromebooks. Google has also made it very easy to open games on Chromebook devices. First of all, thanks to the feature that will support the games on GeForce Now and Google Play, it will be enough to search for the desired game.
Google also announced that it is collaborating with accessory manufacturers such as Acer, Corsair, HyperX, Lenovo and SteelSeries for “Works with Chromebook” certified peripherals. Meanwhile, the first Chromebooks developed for cloud-based gaming will be produced by Acer, Asus and Lenovo. The prices and technical specifications of these devices have also been announced.
Gaming Chromebooks will have gaming-focused features such as 120 Hz and 144 Hz refresh rate, Wi-Fi 6 and 6E compatibility, RGB keyboard. On the price side, there are options ranging from 399 to 799 dollars. Depending on the price, a wide selection of configurations will also be offered, from Core i3 to Core i7.
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook features
- Display: 16-inch WQXGA display (2560 x 1500) with 120 Hz refresh rate
- Processor: 12th Gen Intel Core i3/i5
- RAM: 8GB of RAM
- Storage: 256GB/512GB SSD; 128GB eMMC
- Audio: 4 x 2W speakers with Waves Audio
- Connectivity: 2×2 Intel Wi-Fi 6E; Bluetooth 5
- Ports: 2 x USB 3.2 gen 2 type C; 1 x USB 3.2 gen 1 type A; 1xHDMI 2.0; 1x combo audio jack; 1 x microSD card reader
- Battery: 71 Wh
Acer Chromebook 516 GE specifications
- Display: 16-inch WQXGA display (2560 x 1500) with 120 Hz refresh rate
- Processor: 12th Gen Intel Core /i5
- RAM: 8GB of RAM
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Audio: DTS audio; quad force vibration cancellation stereo
- Connectivity: 2×2 Intel Wi-Fi 6E; Bluetooth 5.2
- Ports: 2 x USB 3.2 gen 2 type C; 1 x USB 3.2 gen 1 type A; 1xHDMI 2.0; 1x combo audio jack; 1 x microSD card reader
- Battery: 65Wh
Asus Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip specs
- Display: 15.6-inch FullHD (1920 x 1080) IPS touchscreen with 144Hz refresh rate
- Processor: 11th Gen Intel Core i3/i5/i7
- RAM: 8GB/16GB RAM
- Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB SSD
- Sound: 2x Harman/Kardon certified speakers
- Connectivity: 2×2 Wi-Fi 6; Bluetooth 5
- Ports: 2 x USB 3.2 gen 2 type C; 1 x USB 3.2 gen 2 type A; 1xHDMI 2.1; 1x combo audio jack; 1 x Ethernet RJ-45 port
- Battery: 57Wh
We do not know whether Google will encourage manufacturers in future Chromebook devices in this direction, but it will take some time for the company to break the ChromeOS-based Chromebook perception known as “business and education” oriented. However, it is admirable to be able to combine various cloud services on a single platform. However, stating that they are working with platforms such as Steam, Google is trying to make the ChromeOS platform more attractive for games.
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