110-508: Chromebook (sometimes stylized in lowercase as chromebook ) is a line of laptops, desktops, tablets and all-in-one computers that run ChromeOS , a proprietary operating system developed by Google . Chromebooks are optimised for web access but also run Android apps, Linux applications, and Progressive web apps , they do not require an Internet connection. They are manufactured and offered by various OEMs . The first Chromebooks shipped on June 15, 2011. As of 2020, Chromebook's market share
220-526: A media player into both ChromeOS and the Chrome browser, enabling users to play back MP3s, view JPEGs, and handle other multimedia files without connectivity. The integration also supports DRM videos. ChromeOS also includes an integrated file manager, resembling those found on other operating systems, with the ability to display directories and the files they contain from both Google Drive and local storage, as well as to preview and manage file contents using
330-709: A virtual machine code-named "Crostini". ChromeOS, which runs on Chromebooks, is already based on the Linux kernel, but it does not provide default support for applications that expect a GNU-based system. Crostini left the beta stage in May 2021 as part of release 91. Google maintains a list of devices that were launched before 2019, which support Crostini. Initial hardware partners for Chromebook development included Acer , Adobe , Asus , Freescale , Hewlett-Packard (later HP Inc. ), Lenovo , Qualcomm , Texas Instruments , Toshiba , Intel , Samsung , Dell , LG , NEC , and Sharp ,
440-403: A Chromebook had become the most frequently used family appliance in his household. "Its 15 second startup time and dedicated Google user accounts made it the go-to device for quick searches, email as well as YouTube and Facebook activities." But the device did not replace other five notebooks in the house: one for gaming, two for the kids, and two more for general use. "The biggest complaint I heard
550-405: A Chromebox, a camera, a unit containing both a noise-cancelling microphone and speakers, and a remote control. It supports Google Hangouts meetings, Vidyo video conferences, and conference calls from UberConference. Several partners announced Chromebox for Meetings models with Google, and in 2016 Google announced an all-in-one Chromebase for Meetings for smaller meeting rooms. Google targeted
660-441: A November 19, 2009 news conference, Sundar Pichai –at the time Google's vice president overseeing Chrome–demonstrated an early version of the operating system. He previewed a desktop which looked very similar to the desktop Chrome browser, and in addition to the regular browser tabs also had application tabs, which take less space and can be pinned for easier access. At the conference, the operating system booted up in seven seconds,
770-706: A bad thing, though, and may just help ChromeOS gain more mainstream acceptance as new users will surely find it to be a more familiar experience." Lenovo and HP followed Samsung and Acer in manufacturing Chromebooks in early 2013 with their own models. Lenovo specifically targeted their Chromebook at students, headlining their press release with "Lenovo Introduces Rugged ThinkPad Chromebook for Schools". When Google released Google Drive , they also included Drive integration in ChromeOS version 20, released in July 2012. While ChromeOS had supported Adobe Flash since 2010, by
880-468: A beta version of the App Runtime for Chrome (ARC), which allows selected Android applications to be used on ChromeOS, using a Native Client -based environment that provides the platforms necessary to run Android software. Android applications do not require any modifications to run on ChromeOS, but may be modified to better support a mouse and keyboard environment. At its introduction, ChromeOS support
990-548: A broader range of hardware available, ChromeOS became an option for enterprises wishing to avoid a migration to Windows 10 before Windows 7 support was discontinued by Microsoft. Laptops running ChromeOS are known collectively as " Chromebooks ". The first was the CR-48, a reference hardware design that Google gave to testers and reviewers beginning in December 2010. Retail machines followed in May 2011. A year later, in May 2012,
1100-514: A browser or companies that rely on Google Apps and other Web applications . But the operating system was "decidedly not a full-fledged alternative to the general purpose computing environments that currently ship on netbooks." Paul wrote that most of ChromeOS's advantages "can be found in other software environments without having to sacrifice native applications." In reviewing the Cr-48 on December 29, 2010, Kurt Bakke of Conceivably Tech wrote that
1210-403: A departure from the operating system's original concept of a single browser with tabs and gave ChromeOS the look and feel of a more conventional desktop operating system. "In a way, this almost feels as if Google is admitting defeat here", wrote Frederic Lardinois on TechCrunch . He argued that Google had traded its original version of simplicity for greater functionality. "That's not necessarily
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#17327825369051320-441: A desktop design marketed as a " Chromebox " was released by Samsung . In March 2015 a partnership with AOPEN was announced and the first commercial Chromebox was developed. In early 2014, LG Electronics introduced the first device belonging to the new all-in-one form factor called " Chromebase ". Chromebase devices are essentially Chromebox hardware inside a monitor with a built-in camera, microphone and speakers. The Chromebit
1430-424: A device. Ryan Paul of Ars Technica wrote that the machine "met the basic requirements for Web surfing, gaming, and personal productivity, but falls short for more intensive tasks." He praised Google's approach to security but wondered whether mainstream computer users would accept an operating system whose only application is a browser. He thought ChromeOS "could appeal to some niche audiences": people who just need
1540-529: A drawback in other markets, has proven an advantage to school districts by reducing training and maintenance costs. By January 2012, even while commercial sales were flat, Google placed nearly 27,000 Chromebooks in schools across 41 states in the US, including "one-on-one" programs, which allocate a computer for every student in South Carolina, Illinois, and Iowa. As of August 2012, over 500 school districts in
1650-458: A feature similar to plug-and-play on other operating systems. All Chromebooks, except the first three, boot with the help of Coreboot , a fast booting BIOS . Google supports new Chromebooks made since 2021 with automatic updates for at least 10 years. Previously, Chromebooks were supported 8 years, while they were initially supported for 6.5 years. The date when a device will stop receiving automatic software and security updates can be found in
1760-946: A hacking contest aimed at computer security experts called "Pwnium". Similar to the Pwn2Own contest, they invited hackers from around the world to find exploits in ChromeOS, with prizes available for attacks. Two exploits were demonstrated there, and a third was demonstrated at that year's Pwn2Own competition. Google patched the issues within a week. Although the Google Native Client has been available on ChromeOS since 2010, there originally were few Native Client apps available, and most ChromeOS apps were still web apps . However, in June 2014, Google announced at Google I/O that ChromeOS would both synchronise with Android phones to share notifications and begin to run Android apps, installed directly from Google Play . This, along with
1870-464: A hub for classroom activities including attendance, classroom discussions, homework and communication with students and parents. There have, however, been concerns about privacy within the context of the education market for Chromebooks. Officials at schools issuing Chromebooks for students have affirmed that students have no right to privacy when using school-issued Chromebooks, even at home, and that all online and offline activity can be monitored by
1980-444: A list of devices that were launched before 2019 which support Linux apps. Since 2013, it has been possible to run Linux applications in ChromeOS through the use of Crouton , a third-party set of scripts that allows access to a Linux distribution such as Ubuntu . However, in 2018 Google announced that desktop Linux apps were officially coming to ChromeOS. The main benefit claimed by Google of their official Linux application support
2090-491: A minimal design and was all black, completely unbranded although it was made by Inventec , and had a rubberized coating. The device was named after Chromium-48 , an unstable isotope of the metallic element Chromium (chemical symbol Cr ), and the participants were named Cr-48 Test Pilots. Google distributed about 60,000 Cr-48 Chrome Notebooks between December 2010 and March 2011 for free to participants and in return asked for feedback such as suggestions and bug reports. The Cr-48
2200-543: A new Chromebook at a significantly lower price point ($ 250, compared to the previous Series 5 Chromebooks' $ 450). It was the first Chromebook to use an ARM processor , one from Samsung's Exynos line. To reduce the price, Google and Samsung also reduced the memory and screen resolution of the device. An advantage of using the ARM processor, however, was that the Chromebook did not require a fan. Acer followed quickly after with
2310-631: A new range of devices, designed and manufactured by Samsung. In so doing, they also released the first Chromebox , the Samsung Series 3, which was ChromeOS' entrance into the world of desktop computers. Although they were faster than the previous range of devices, they were still underpowered compared to other desktops and laptops of the time, fitting in more closely with the Netbook market. Only months later, in October, Samsung and Google released
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#17327825369052420-514: A number of advantages of the cloud that have motivated the move. Among them are advanced security, because data is not physically on a single machine that can be lost or stolen. Deploying and managing cloud-native devices is easier because no hardware and software upgrades or virus definition updates are needed, and patching of OS and software updates are simpler. Simplified and centralized management decreases operational costs. Employees can securely access files and work on any machine, increasing
2530-572: A profit center. If Google wants to use students' data to 'improve Google products', then it needs to get express consent from parents." Despite this, Chromebooks made up nearly 60% of computers used in US schools in March 2018. CNET writer Alfred Ng cited superior security as the main reason for this level of market adoption. According to research firms Gartner and Canalys, over 30 million Chromebooks were shipped in 2020, as school districts and parents purchased them for remote learning purposes during
2640-413: A proper heatsink, but this has been fixed in production Chromebooks. ChromeOS 131.0.6778.75 (November 14, 2024 ; 13 days ago ( 2024-11-14 ) ) [±] ChromeOS , sometimes styled as chromeOS and formerly styled as Chrome OS , is a Linux distribution developed and designed by Google . It is derived from the open-source ChromiumOS operating system and uses
2750-484: A slump in the market. Wong said that the company would consider marketing Chromebooks to other developed countries, as well as to corporations. He noted that although ChromeOS is free to license for hardware vendors, it has required greater marketing expenditure than Windows, offsetting the licensing savings. During the first 11 months of 2013, 1.76 million Chromebooks sold in the United States, representing 21% of
2860-485: A starting price of $ 1299. All models released after May 2012, include 100 GB–1.09 TB of Google Drive cloud storage and 12 GoGo Wi-Fi passes. By January 2013, Acer's Chromebook sales were being driven by "heavy Internet users with educational institutions", and the platform represented 5–10 percent of the company's US shipments, according to Acer president Jim Wong. He called those numbers sustainable, contrasting them with low Windows 8 sales which he blamed for
2970-629: A table. This is followed by the statement, "You don't have to back up a Chromebook," showing how all data is stored on the web. In an article published on ZDNet in June 2011, entitled "Five Chromebook concerns for businesses", Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols faulted the devices for lack of virtual private network capability, not supporting some Wi-Fi security methods, in particular Wi-Fi Protected Access II ( WPA2 ) Enterprise with Extensible Authentication Protocol-Transport Layer Security ( EAP-TLS ) or Cisco's Lightweight Extensible Authentication Protocol (LEAP). He also noted that its file manager does not work,
3080-458: A time Google said it would work to reduce. Additionally, Chris Kenyon, vice president of OEM services at Canonical Ltd , announced that Canonical was under contract to contribute engineering resources to the project with the intent to build on existing open-source components and tools where feasible. Canonical was an early engineering partner on the project, and initially ChromiumOS could only be built on an Ubuntu system. In February 2010,
3190-501: A user experience closer to a native application. In September 2014, Google launched App Runtime for Chrome (ARC), which allowed certain ported Android applications to run on ChromeOS. Runtime was launched with four Android applications: Duolingo , Evernote , Sight Words , and Vine . In 2016, the second version, ARC++, was introduced, using Linux kernel features cgroups and namespaces to make containers that can can run Android apps in an isolated environment. As ARC++ removed
3300-612: A variety of Web applications, including Google Docs and Box . Since January 2015, ChromeOS can also integrate additional storage sources into the file manager, relying on installed extensions that use the File System Provider API. In June 2010, Google's software engineer Gary Kačmarčík wrote that ChromeOS would access remote applications through a technology unofficially called "Chromoting" , which would resemble Microsoft's Remote Desktop Connection . The name has since been changed to " Chrome Remote Desktop " , and
3410-467: Is 10.8%, placing it above the Mac platform; it has mainly found success in education markets. Since 2021 all Chromebooks receive 10 years of regular automatic updates with security patches from Google, previously it was 8 years. Chromebooks can be repurposed with other operating systems and/or used for other purposes if required. The first Chromebooks for sale, by Acer Inc. and Samsung , were announced at
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3520-530: Is a Taiwanese multinational company that produces computer hardware and electronics, headquartered in Xizhi District , New Taipei City , Taiwan . Its products include desktop PCs, laptop PCs ( clamshells , 2-in-1s , convertibles and Chromebooks ), tablets , servers , storage devices, virtual reality devices, displays, smartphones , televisions and peripherals , as well as gaming PCs and accessories under its Predator brand. As of 2024, Acer
3630-640: Is a notable vendor in key segments such as education, desktop computers, and low profile notebooks for education. The head office is in Bengaluru , Karnataka. India rose to become Acer's second-largest worldwide market in 2023. In an effort to diversify from the computer hardware market, a new firm called AcerPure was established to sell consumer products in India. PT Acer Indonesia is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Acer and distributes its products through their main distributor PT Dragon Computer & Communication. Acer
3740-627: Is also Australia's leading PC vendor in the government and education markets. As of 2006, it has over 480 employees. The company repairs, assembles and manufacturers laptops and desktops in Sydney. Acer's EMEA headquarters are located in Lugano , Switzerland . From the late 1990s to mid-2000s, Acer had computer factories in Europe. The business area was the whole EMEA . In the Netherlands under
3850-462: Is an HDMI dongle running ChromeOS. When placed in an HDMI slot on a television set or computer monitor, the device turns that display into a personal computer . The first device, announced in March 2015 was an Asus unit that shipped that November and which reached end of life in November 2020. Chromebook tablets were introduced in March 2018 by Acer with their Chromebook Tab 10. Designed to rival
3960-636: Is currently the second-largest computer vendor in Indonesia. In the first quarter of 2016, Acer recorded >81% market share in Windows tablet in Indonesia. Acer America Corporation, headquartered in San Jose, California , is a member of the Acer Group. Acer's R&D, engineering, manufacturing, and marketing operations in the United States and Canada are handled by Acer America. The U.S. headquarters
4070-416: Is like "running an application via Remote Desktop Services or by first connecting to a host machine by using RDP or VNC". Initial roll-outs of ChromeOS laptops (Chromebooks) indicate an interest in enabling users to access virtual desktops. At Google I/O 2014, a proof of concept showing Android applications, including Flipboard , running on ChromeOS was presented. In September 2014, Google introduced
4180-419: Is similar to CloudReady , a distribution of ChromiumOS whose developers were acquired by Google in 2020. ChromeOS automatic updates are available for 10 years for all Chromebook models manufactured in 2019 and onwards, these updates are for the operating system, browser and hardware. Google maintains a web page with their Auto Update policy and the end date for all ChromeOS devices manufactured. Previously
4290-737: Is that it can run without enabling developer mode, keeping many of the security features of ChromeOS. It was noticed in the ChromiumOS source code in early 2018. Early parts of Crostini were made available for the Google Pixelbook via the dev channel in February 2018 as part of ChromeOS version 66, and it was enabled by default via the beta channel for testing on a variety of Chromebooks in August 2018 with version 69. Acer Inc. Acer Inc. ( / ˈ eɪ s ər / ; AY -sər )
4400-444: Is the world's sixth-largest personal computer vendor by unit sales. In the early 2000s, Acer implemented a new business model, shifting from a manufacturer to a designer, marketer, and distributor of products, while performing production processes via contract manufacturers. Currently, in addition to its core IT products business, Acer also has a new business entity that focuses on the integration of cloud services and platforms, and
4510-487: Is the cheapest Chromebook in the world. In 2020, Chromebooks outsold Apple Macs for the first time by taking market share from laptops running Microsoft Windows . This rise is attributed to the platform's success in the education market. The education market has been the Chromebooks' most notable success, competing on the low cost of the hardware, software and upkeep. The simplicity of the machines, which could be
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4620-538: The 3G Samsung Series 5 was reduced to $ 449, and the Acer AC700 was reduced to $ 299. The updated Series 5 550 and the Chromebox , the first ChromeOS desktop machines, were released by Samsung in May 2012. While the two lowest cost Chromebooks emerged later in the fall: the $ 249 Samsung Series 3 and the $ 199 Acer C7. The following February, Google introduced the most expensive machine, their Chromebook Pixel , with
4730-603: The Apple iPad , it had an identical screen size and resolution and other similar specifications, a notable addition was a Wacom-branded stylus that does not require a battery or charging. ChromeOS supports multi-monitor setups on devices with a video-out port, USB 3.0 Standard-A or USB-C , the latter being preferable. On February 16, 2022, Google announced a development version of ChromeOS Flex —a distribution of ChromeOS that can be installed on conventional PC hardware to replace other operating systems such as Windows and macOS. It
4840-633: The COVID-19 pandemic . Chromebooks made by 12 manufacturers are sold as of October 31, 2022. And, there are 4 manufacturers that ended making Chromebooks before 2022. At a December 7, 2010, press briefing, Google announced the ChromeOS Pilot Program, a pilot experiment and the first Chromebook, the Cr-48 Chrome Notebook, a prototype , to test the ChromeOS operating system and modified hardware for it. The device had
4950-499: The Chromebase . Seizing the opportunity created by the end of life for Windows XP , Google pushed hard to sell Chromebooks to businesses, offering significant discounts in early 2014. ChromeOS devices outsold Apple Macs worldwide for the year 2020. Since July 2021, ChromeOS's embedded controller was changed to be based on a Google maintained fork of Zephyr , a real time operating system. In March 2014, Google hosted
5060-551: The Google Chrome web browser as its principal user interface . Google announced the project in July 2009, initially describing it as an operating system where applications and user data would reside in the cloud . ChromeOS was used primarily to run web applications . ChromeOS supports progressive web applications , Android apps from Google Play and Linux applications. To ascertain marketing requirements, developers relied on informal metrics, including monitoring
5170-604: The Google I/O conference in May 2011 and began shipping on June 15, 2011. Lenovo , Hewlett-Packard (now HP Inc. ) and Google itself entered the market in early 2013. In December 2013, Samsung launched a Samsung Chromebook specifically for the Indian market that employed the company's Exynos 5 Dual core processor. Critical reaction to the device was initially skeptical, with some reviewers, such as then New York Times technology columnist David Pogue , unfavorably comparing
5280-596: The Intel -based Pro, but said that "Android apps on Chrome OS are still in beta" and are "very much [an] unfinished experience." The number of ChromeOS systems supporting Android apps in either the stable or beta channel is increasing. In the 2021 Android 11 launch, it was announced that Android apps would be moved to a new virtual machine called ArcVM, to improve Android’s environment isolation for better security and maintainability. In May 2018, Google announced it would make Linux desktop applications available on Chromebooks via
5390-660: The Micro-Professor MPF-I training kit, then two Apple II clones–the Microprofessor II and III –before joining the emerging IBM PC compatible market and becoming a significant PC manufacturer. The company was renamed Acer in 1987. In 1998, Acer reorganized into five groups: Acer International Service Group, Acer Sertek Service Group, Acer Semiconductor Group, Acer Information Products Group, and Acer Peripherals Group. To dispel complaints from clients that Acer competed with its own products and to alleviate
5500-686: The Samsung Series 5 and the Acer AC700, were unveiled on May 11, 2011, at the Google I/O developer conference. They were to begin selling through online channels, including Amazon and Best Buy in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and Spain starting June 15, 2011; however, Acer's AC700 was not available until early July. The first machines sold for between $ 349 and $ 499, depending on
5610-561: The value proposition of Chromebooks with that of more fully featured laptops running the Microsoft Windows operating system. That complaint dissipated later in reviews of machines from Acer and Samsung that were priced lower. In February 2013, Google announced and began shipping the Chromebook Pixel , a higher-spec machine with a high-end retail price. In January 2015, Acer announced the first big screen Chromebook,
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#17327825369055720-496: The "Additional info" section of the "About device" in the device settings. Google maintains an Auto Update policy listing ChromeOS makes and models with their auto update expiration dates. The hardware generation and Linux kernel version of most products can be inferred from the code name and its corresponding video game series: Chromebooks are available from OEMs in various form factors, some form factors may be known by other names: The first two commercially available Chromebooks,
5830-516: The AMD Ryzen 3 7000 series), at least 8 GB of RAM, 128 GB of local storage, 1080p IPS or better display and a 1080p+ web camera. The Plus supports video-editing with LumaFusion and web versions of Google Photos Magic Eraser and Adobe Photoshop. In May 2016, Google announced it would make Android apps available on Chromebooks via the Google Play application distribution platform. At
5940-611: The Acer Chromebook 15 with an FHD 15.6-inch display. By March 2018, Chromebooks made up 60% of computers purchased by schools in the United States. In October 2012, Simon Phipps, writing in InfoWorld , said, "The Chromebook line is probably the most successful Linux desktop/laptop computer we've seen to date". On October 9, 2023, Google announced Chromebook Plus, a new category of Chromebooks that requires minimum hardware specifications, such as CPU (Intel Core i3 12th Gen or
6050-656: The Android environment in order to improve security and maintainability. In 2018, Google announced plans for Linux on ChromeOS, also known as Crostini , allowing for desktop Linux applications. This capability was released to the stable channel (as an option for most machines) with Chrome 69 in October 2018, but was still marked as beta. This feature was officially released with Chrome 91. In 2023, with version 119, Google released Valve Corporation 's Steam for Chromebook (Beta) for playing video games on Chromebooks meeting minimum hardware requirements. Steam for Chromebook
6160-552: The C7 Chromebook, priced even lower ($ 199), but containing an Intel Celeron processor. One notable way Acer reduced the cost of the C7 was to use a laptop hard disk rather than a solid-state drive . In April 2012, Google made the first update to ChromeOS's user interface since the operating system had launched, introducing a hardware-accelerated window manager called "Aura" along with a conventional taskbar. The additions marked
6270-666: The ChromeOS platform, and allow the OS to interact with Android contracts such as sharing. Engineering director Zelidrag Hornung explained that ARC had been scrapped due to its limitations, including its incompatibility with the Android Native Development Toolkit (NDK) , and that it was unable to pass Google's own compatibility test suite. All Chromebooks made since 2018, and some earlier models, can run Linux apps. As with Android apps, these apps can be installed and launched alongside other apps. Google maintains
6380-476: The ChromeOS, announced that ChromeOS would only support solid-state storage (i.e. not mechanical hard-disks), and noted that ChromeOS only required one-sixtieth as much drive space as Windows 7 . Ten years later, in 2019, the recovery images Google provided for ChromeOS were still only between 1 and 3 GB in size. On November 19, 2009, Google released ChromeOS's source code as the ChromiumOS project. At
6490-487: The Chromebook is easy to travel with and starts up quickly. One stated that "If I just need to stay connected for emergencies, I take my Chrome," but when traveling for business she would still take her laptop. Orlando does plan to continue to use the Chromebooks. On November 21, 2011, Google announced price reductions on all Chromebooks. Since then, the Wi-Fi-only Samsung Series 5 was reduced to $ 349,
6600-453: The ChromiumOS development team switched to Gentoo Linux because Gentoo's package management system Portage was more flexible. The ChromiumOS build environment is no longer restricted to any particular distribution, but installation and quick-start guides use Debian 's (and thus also Ubuntu's) apt syntax. In 2010, Google released the unbranded Cr-48 Chromebook in a pilot program. The launch date for retail hardware featuring ChromeOS
6710-507: The GHG emissions it reports for its operations and business travel. It also scored badly on the products criteria receiving no points on product lifecycle while Greenpeace noted that a higher percentage of its products need to meet or exceed Energy Star standards in order for it to score more points. It received some praise for launching new products which are free from Polyvinyl chloride plastic (PVC) and brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and
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#17327825369056820-529: The Internet and signed in to a Google account. Instead of installing traditional applications that propose risk of malware, users install web apps from the Chrome Web Store . Google claims that a multi-layer security architecture eliminates the need for anti-virus software. Support for many Bluetooth and USB devices such as cameras, mice, external keyboards and flash drives is included, utilizing
6930-462: The PC World on Tottenham Court Road . In addition to these marketing strategies, Google Chrome has created several "Chromebook minis" that demonstrate the ease of use and simplicity of the devices in a comical manner. For example, when the question "How do you back up a Chromebook" is asked, it is implied to refer to data backup , but instead, shows two hands pushing a Chromebook back to the end of
7040-402: The U.S. B2B channels increased 43 percent during the first half of 2015, helping to keep overall B2B PC and tablet sales from falling. [..] Sales of Google OS-equipped (Android and Chrome) devices saw a 29 percent increase over 2014 propelled by Chromebook sales, while Apple devices declined 12 percent and Windows devices fell 8 percent." As of October 28, 2024 Lenovo Chromebook N23 Intel Celeron
7150-483: The US commercial business-to-business laptop market. During the same period in 2012, Chromebooks sold 400,000 units and had a negligible market share. In January 2015, Silviu Stahie noted in Softpedia that Chromebooks were eating into Microsoft's market share. He said "Microsoft is engaged in a silent war and it's actually losing. They are fighting an enemy that is so insidious and so cunning that it's actually hurting
7260-435: The United States and Europe were using the device. In 2016, Chromebooks represented 58 percent of the 2.6 million mobile devices purchased by U.S. schools and about 64 percent of that market outside the U.S. By contrast, sales of Apple devices to U.S. schools dropped that year to 19 percent, compared with 52 percent in 2012. Helping spur Chromebook sales is Google Classroom , an app designed for teachers in 2014, that serves as
7370-473: The automatic update period was 8 years, and shorter prior to that although the earlier models had continued to receive updates for longer. Initially, ChromeOS was a pure thin client operating system that relied primarily on servers to host web applications and related data storage. Google gradually began encouraging developers to create "packaged applications", and later, Chrome Apps by employing HTML5 , CSS , Adobe Shockwave , and JavaScript to provide
7480-609: The belief that the goal can help it achieve economy of scale and garner higher margin. However, such a reliance on the high-volume, low-value PC market made Acer exposed when buying habits changed. In September 2018, Acer spun-off its smart gadget unit GadgeTek Inc., which produces Leap Beads, smart prayer beads that track mantras and footsteps. In 2019, Acer announced the esports social platform PLANET9, which aims to provide game analytics, community-organized competitions, and social experiences. In November 2013, chairman and CEO J.T. Wang and president Jim Wong both resigned due to
7590-437: The broadening selection of Chromebooks, laid the groundwork for future ChromeOS development. At the same time, Google was also moving towards the then-new Material Design design language for its products, which it would bring to its web products as well as Android Lollipop . One of the first Material Design items to come to ChromeOS was a new default wallpaper. Google's Material Design experiment for ChromeOS were added to
7700-476: The company informed Greenpeace that the majority of its products will be PVC/BFR free in the near future. Acer also scored well on chemical management for lobbying for restrictions on organo-halogens and was commended for reporting on GHG emissions from its first-tier suppliers and investigating its second tier. In its 2012 report on progress relating to conflict minerals , the Enough Project rated Acer
7810-456: The company more than anything else. The enemy is called Chromebooks and they are using Linux...There is no sign that things are slowing down and Microsoft really needs a win, and soon if it wants to remain relevant." In 2015, Chromebooks, by sales volume (to companies in the US), are second after Windows based devices (with Android tablets, overtaking Apple's devices in 2014): "Chromebook sales through
7920-528: The company's poor financial performance. Wang had been reportedly due to leave Acer at the end of the year and was supposed to have been succeeded by Wong. Acer co-founder Stan Shih took over as board chairman and interim president while the company searched for a new president. On December 23, 2013, Acer named Jason Chen , then the vice president of worldwide sales and marketing at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing , as its new president and CEO, effective January 1, 2014. The key trends for Acer are (as of
8030-630: The competitive nature of the branded sales versus contract manufacturing businesses, the company spun off the contract business in 2000, renaming it Wistron Corporation. The restructuring resulted in two primary units: brand name sales and contract manufacturing. In 2001, the company sold its manufacturing units BenQ and Wistron in order to focus resources on design and sales. Acer increased worldwide sales while simultaneously reducing its labor force by identifying and using marketing strategies that best utilized their existing distribution channels. In January 2005 Gianfranco Lanci [ zh ] became
8140-738: The consumer hardware market with the release of the Chromebook in 2011 and Chromebook Pixel in 2013, and sought access to the enterprise market with the 2017 release of the Pixelbook . The second-generation Pixelbook was released in 2019. In 2021 there are several vendors selling all-in-one Chromebase devices. Google has partnered on Chrome devices with several leading OEMs , including Acer , ASUS , Dell , HP , Lenovo , and Samsung . In August 2019, Dell announced that two of its popular business-focused laptops would run ChromeOS and come with Chrome Enterprise Upgrade. The Latitude 5300 2-in-1 Chromebook Enterprise and Latitude 5400 Chromebook Enterprise were
8250-493: The dedicated cloud computing capabilities occasionally." The Cr-48 features an Intel Atom N455, a single-core processor clocked at 1.66 GHz, with 512 KB of cache and hyperthreading enabled. It also features 2 GB of removable DDR3 memory in a single SO-DIMM, integrated chipset graphics (Intel GMA 3150), and a 66 watt-hour battery. It has been found that the Intel NM10 chipset can get very hot during operation due to lack of
8360-487: The development of smartphones and wearable devices with value-added IoT applications. Acer was founded as Multitech in 1976 by Stan Shih (Mandarin=施振榮), his wife Carolyn Yeh, and five others in Hsinchu City , Taiwan . The company began with eleven employees and US$ 25,000 in capital. Initially, it was primarily a distributor of electronic parts and a consultant in the use of microprocessor technologies. It produced
8470-453: The end of 2012 it had been fully sandboxed , preventing issues with Flash from affecting other parts of ChromeOS. This affected all versions of Chrome including ChromeOS. Until 2013, Google had never made their own ChromeOS device. Instead, ChromeOS devices were much more similar to their Nexus line of Android phones, with each ChromeOS device being designed, manufactured, and marketed by third-party manufacturers, but with Google controlling
8580-405: The fact that users of school-issued Chromebooks cannot change these settings themselves as a measure to protect their privacy; only the administrator who issued the laptops can change them. The EFF claims that this violates a Student Privacy Pledge already signed by Google in 2014. EFF staff attorney Nate Cardozo stated: "Minors shouldn't be tracked or used as guinea pigs, with their data treated as
8690-443: The financial year ending December 31): As of September 2022, Acer has over 7,713 employees worldwide, operating in 40 countries/territories. Acer Computer Australia (ACA) was established in 1990, and is currently Australia's third-largest personal computer vendor, behind Hewlett-Packard Australia and Dell Australia and New Zealand . ACA has Australia's highest overall market share in notebook PC and tablet PC sales. The company
8800-527: The future of ChromeOS. Although there had been articles predicting the demise of ChromeOS since 2009, ChromeOS device sales continued to increase substantially year-over-year. In mid-2014, Time magazine published an article titled "Depending on Who's Counting, Chromebooks are Either an Enormous Hit or Totally Irrelevant", which detailed the differences in opinion. This uncertainty was further spurred by Intel 's announcement of Intel-based Chromebooks , Chromeboxes , and an all-in-one offering from LG called
8910-430: The host device is not connected to the Internet, demonstrated an offline version of Google Docs , and announced a 3G plan that would give users 100 MB of free data each month, with additional paid plans available from Verizon. The device's USB port is capable of supporting a keyboard, mouse, Ethernet adapter , or USB storage, but not a printer, as ChromeOS offers no print stack . Adding further hardware outside of
9020-513: The latter three manufacturers were only available in their home countries. Chromebooks ship with ChromeOS , an operating system that uses the Linux kernel and the Google Chrome web browser with an integrated media-player. Enabling developer mode allows the installation of Linux distributions and other operating systems on Chromebooks. Chromebooks also include a screw or switch directly on
9130-503: The model and 3G option. Google also offered a monthly payment scheme for business and education customers at $ 28 and $ 20 per user, per month, respectively for a three-year contract, including replacements and upgrades. Verizon offers models equipped with 3G / 4G LTE connectivity 100–200 MB of free wireless data per month, for two years. Google's early marketing efforts relied primarily on hands-on experience: giving away Samsung machines to 10 Cr-48 pilot program participants along with
9240-416: The motherboard to enable or disable write protection. Crouton is a script that allows the installation of Linux distributions from ChromeOS and running both operating systems simultaneously. Some Chromebooks include SeaBIOS , which can be enabled to install and boot Linux distributions directly. With limited offline capability and a fast boot-time, Chromebooks are primarily designed for use while connected to
9350-733: The name of Acer IMS bv, there were two factories: Acer laptop factory in Den Bosch and Acer and IBM desktop factory in Tilburg . Acer also had facilities in Germany under the name of IMS in Ahrensburg and Hamburg . Acer computers are also assembled in Mingachevir , Azerbaijan . Acer's subsidiary in India is Acer India (Pvt) Limited , and was incorporated as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Acer Computer International, Ltd. in 1999. It
9460-399: The need to recompile apps, Google made Google Play available for ChromeOS, making most Android apps available for supported ChromeOS devices. ARC++ was introduced with Android Marshmallow and upgraded to Android Nougat and Android Pie . ARCVM launched in 2021 with Android 11 and runs on Android 13 starting with ChromeOS 117. ARCVM uses virtual machines to enhance the isolation of
9570-469: The need to use the undocumented crosh shell to accomplish basic tasks such as setting up a secure shell (SSH) network connection as well as serious deficiencies in documentation. In one of the first customer reviews, the city of Orlando, Florida, reported on their initial testing of 600 Chromebooks as part of a broader study related to accessing virtual desktops. Early indications show potential value in reducing IT support costs. End users have indicated that
9680-459: The president. By 2005, Acer employed a scant 7,800 people worldwide. Revenues rose from US$ 4.9 billion in 2003 to US$ 11.31 billion in 2006. In the mid-2000s, consumer notebooks were almost the sole growth drivers for the PC industry, and Acer's exceptionally low overheads and dedication to the channel made it one of the main beneficiaries of this trend. Acer grew quickly in Europe in part by embracing
9790-585: The previously mentioned items will likely cause problems with the operating system's "self knowing" security model. Users instead were encouraged to use a secure service called Google Cloud Print to print to legacy printers connected to their desktop computers, or to connect an HP ePrint , Kodak Hero, Kodak ESP, or Epson Connect printer to the Google Cloud Print service for a "cloud aware" printer connection. The Cr-48 prototype laptop gave reviewers their first opportunity to evaluate ChromeOS running on
9900-467: The result of a two-year partnership between Dell and Google. The machines come with a bundle of Dell's cloud-based support services that would enable enterprise ICT managers to deploy them in environments that also rely on Windows. The new laptop line "delivers the search giant's ChromeOS operating system in a form tailored for security-conscious organizations." Other OEMs that have launched devices with Chrome Enterprise Upgrade include Acer and HP. With
10010-586: The school using third-party software pre-installed on the laptops. Further, the Electronic Frontier Foundation has complained that Google itself is violating the privacy of students by enabling the synchronization function within Google Chrome ("Chrome Sync") by default, allowing web browsing histories and other data of students – including those under-13 – to be stored on Google servers and potentially used for purposes other than authorized educational purposes. A point of contention has been
10120-568: The seventh highest of 24 consumer electronics companies. Acer has been listed on the DJSI's Emerging Markets Index since 2014 and on MSCI's Global Sustainability Indexes in 2015–2016. During the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine , Acer refused to join the international community and withdraw from the Russian market. Research from Yale University from March 28, 2022, identifying how companies were reacting to Russia's aggression identified Acer in
10230-426: The shareability of Chrome devices. Google's Grab and Go program with Chrome Enterprise allows businesses deploying Chromebooks to provide employees access to a bank of fully charged computers that can be checked out and returned after some time. In an early attempt to expand its enterprise offerings, Google released Chromebox for Meetings in February 2014. Chromebox for Meetings is a kit for conference rooms containing
10340-427: The software. However, in February 2013 this changed when Google released the Chromebook Pixel . The Chromebook Pixel was totally different from previous devices. Not only was it entirely Google-branded, but it contained an Intel Core i5 processor, a high-resolution (2,560 × 1,700) touchscreen display, and came at a price more competitive with business laptops. By the end of 2013, analysts were undecided on
10450-879: The stable version with Chrome 117. Chrome Enterprise, launched in 2017, includes ChromeOS, Chrome Browser, Chrome devices and their management capabilities intended for business use. Businesses can access the standard ChromeOS features and unlock advanced features for business with the Chrome Enterprise Upgrade. Standard features include the ability to sync bookmarks and browser extensions across devices, cloud or native printing, multi-layered security, remote desktop, and automatic updates. Advanced features include Active Directory integration, unified endpoint management, advanced security protection, access to device policies and Google Admin console, guest access, kiosk mode, and whitelisting or blacklisting third-party apps managed on Google Play. The education sector
10560-765: The time, Google Play access was scheduled for the ASUS Chromebook Flip, the Acer Chromebook R 11 and the most recent Chromebook Pixel, with other Chromebooks slated over time. Partnering with Google, Samsung released the Chromebook Plus and Chromebook Pro in early 2017, the first Chromebooks to come with the Play Store pre-installed. A February 2017 review in The Verge reported that the Plus with its ARM processor handled Android apps "much better" than
10670-618: The time, other devices had to use Microsoft Silverlight to play videos from Netflix. Later in that same month, Citrix released a client application for ChromeOS, allowing Chromebooks to access Windows applications and desktops remotely. Dublin City University became the first educational institution in Europe to provide Chromebooks for its students when it announced an agreement with Google in September 2011. By 2012, demand for Chromebooks had begun to grow, and Google announced
10780-662: The title Chromebook Guru and lending Chromebooks to passengers on some Virgin America flights. At the end of September 2011, Google launched the Chrome Zone , a "store within a store", inside the Currys and PC World superstore in London. The store had a Google-style look and feel with splashes of color all around the retail store front. The concept was later changed to a broader in-store Google shop, which has not expanded beyond
10890-425: The usage patterns of 200 machines used by Google employees. Developers also noted their own usage patterns. Google requested that its hardware partners use solid-state drives "for performance and reliability reasons" as well as the lower capacity requirements inherent in an operating system that accesses applications and most user data on remote servers. In November 2009, Matthew Papakipos, engineering director for
11000-425: The use of more traditional distribution channels targeting retail consumers when some rivals were pursuing online sales and business customers. In 2007, Acer bought Gateway in the United States and Packard Bell in Europe, and became the third-largest provider of computers and the second largest for notebooks, achieving significant improvement in profitability. Acer has strived to become the world's largest PC vendor in
11110-409: The web store. According to Google, general support for Chrome Apps on ChromeOS will remain enabled, without requiring any policy setting, through June 2022. From a user's perspective, Chrome Apps resemble conventional native applications: they can be launched outside of the Chrome browser, are offline by default, can manage multiple windows, and interact with other applications. Google integrated
11220-488: The worst category "Digging in" meaning Defying Demands for Exit: companies defying demands for exit/reduction of activities. Acer subsequently reversed its decision and suspended business in Russia. Despite stating that it would suspend business in Russia, a Reuters investigation of customs data found that Acer supplied at least $ 70.4 million worth of computer hardware to Russia between April 8, 2022 and March 31, 2023, and it
11330-482: Was an early adopter of Chromebooks, ChromeOS, and cloud-based computing. Chromebooks are widely used in classrooms and the advantages of cloud-based systems have been gaining an increased share of the market in other sectors as well, including financial services, healthcare, and retail. "The popularity of cloud computing and cloud-based services highlights the degree to which companies and business processes have become both internet-enabled and dependent." ICT managers cite
11440-452: Was delayed from late 2010 until the next year. On May 11, 2011, Google announced two Chromebooks from Acer and Samsung at Google I/O . The Samsung model was released on June 15, 2011, and the Acer model in mid-July. In August 2011, Netflix announced official support for ChromeOS through its streaming service, allowing Chromebooks to watch streaming movies and TV shows via Netflix. At
11550-668: Was developed under the codename Borealis, building off work for SteamOS for the Steam Deck , similarly built using a modified version of Arch Linux , running as a virtual machine . From 2013 until January 2020, Google encouraged developers to build not just conventional Web applications for ChromeOS, but Chrome Apps (formerly known as Packaged Apps). In January 2020, Google's Chrome team announced its intent to phase out support for Chrome Apps in favor of " progressive web applications " (PWA) and Chrome extensions instead. In March 2020, Google stopped accepting new public Chrome Apps for
11660-423: Was intended for testing only, not retail sales. The Cr-48's hardware design broke convention by replacing certain keys with shortcut keys, such as the function keys, and replacing the caps lock key with a dedicated search key (now called the "Everything Button"), which can be changed back to caps lock in the OS's keyboard settings. Google addressed complaints that the operating system offers little functionality when
11770-544: Was its lack of performance in Flash applications." In ongoing testing, Wolfgang Gruener, also writing in Conceivably Tech , said that cloud computing at cellular data speeds is unacceptable and that the lack of offline ability turns the Cr-48 "into a useless brick" when not connected. "It's difficult to use the Chromebook as an everyday device and give up what you are used to on a Mac/Windows PC, while you surely enjoy
11880-416: Was only available for selected Android applications. In 2016, Google introduced the ability to run Android apps on supported ChromeOS devices, with access to Google Play in its entirety. The previous Native Client-based solution was dropped in favor of a container containing Android's frameworks and dependencies (initially based on Android Marshmallow ), which allows Android apps to have direct access to
11990-549: Was opened with a staff of three in 1985, as Multitech Electronics USA, in Mountain View, California . In 1986, the U.S. headquarters were moved to San Jose, California. In 2005, Acer published its first environmental report, for which the company used the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines. All of Acer's tier-one suppliers have acquired ISO 14001 certification. In November 2012, Acer
12100-548: Was ranked 4th place out of 15 in Greenpeace 's re-launched Guide to Greener Electronics, with a score of 5.1 points out of 10. The Guide ranks electronics makers according to their policies and practices to reduce their impact on the climate, produce greener products, and make their operations more sustainable. Greenpeace criticized the company for not setting out targets to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as intended in 2010 and for not providing external verification for
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