Shortly after announcing that it will be killing off its game-streaming service called Stadia, Google announces new Chromebooks designed for what the streaming service was meant for-gaming.
Interestingly, Google has announced new gaming laptops in the form of Chromebooks made by third-party names like Acer, Asus, and Lenovo. These new Chromebooks are designed for cloud gaming, meaning players won't have to download and install video game software on them anymore.
TechCrunch noted that aside from partnering with these laptop makers, Google also partnered with cloud gaming services like Nvidia GeForce Now, Microsoft Xbox Cloud Gaming and Amazon Luna to bring popular titles, like "Control" and "The Witcher III" to players.
Players know that today's great games offer stunning visuals and amazing sound. That means they need powerful hardware capable of handling them. The new Chromebooks aren't like those internet-focused laptops for browsing and schoolwork. They are equipped with high-end specs to play those high-end games.
For starters, the new Chromebooks made by Acer, Asus and Lenovo make use of Intel's latest processors, come with at least 8GB of RAM, and boast of other features like Wi-Fi 6 and wide displays. Here's a quick look at the specs of each device:
Asus Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip
- 15.6-inch FullHD (1,920 x 1,080) IPS touchscreen display with 144Hz refresh rate
- 11th Gen Intel Core i3 or i5 or i7 backed by 8GB or 16GB RAM and 128GB/256GB/512GB SSD storage
- Wi-Fi 6; Bluetooth 5
- 2 x USB 3.2 gen 2type C ports; 1 x USB 3.2 gen 2 type A port; 1 x HDMI 2.1; 1x audio combo jack; 1 x Ethernet RJ-45 port
- 57 Wh Battery
Acer Chromebook 516 GE
- 16-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1500) display with 120Hz refresh rate
- 12th Gen Intel Core i5 backed by 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD storage.
- Intel Wi-Fi 6E; Bluetooth 5.2
- 2 x USB 3.2 gen 2 type C ports; 1 x USB 3.2 gen 1 type A port; 1 x HDMI 2.0 port; 1x audio combo jack; 1 x microSD card reader
- 65 Wh Battery
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook
- 16-inch WQXGA (2,560 x 1,500) display with 120Hz refresh rate.
- 12th Gen Intel Core i3 or i5 backed by 8GB RAM and 256GB/512GB SSD and 128GB eMMC storage.
- Intel Wi-Fi 6E; Bluetooth 5
- 2 x USB 3.2 gen 2 type C ports; 1 x USB 3.2 gen 1 type A port; 1 x HDMI 2.0 port; 1x audio combo jack; 1 x microSD card reader
- 71 Wh Battery
These are but the first few Chromebooks Google plans to release for cloud gaming, which means there could be more in the future if the plan becomes a hit.
The tech giant also partnered with accessory makers like Corsair, Hyper X and SteelSeries to create peripherals and other accessories brandishing the "Works with Chromebook" label. These accessories, made by brands with tons of experience in accessories like gaming mice and the like, are sure to complete the cloud gaming experience.
