Google is prepping the second generation Chromebook Pixel, the high-end Chromebook built for the developer community, and while no specific date was announced at Google's Team Work 2015 event, one Google leader says it should be arriving "soon."
Initial reports on the Pixel machine included a video but that's been pulled from public viewing. According to Renee Niemi, who heads up Android and Chrome for Work and Education, there won't be many Chromebook Pixels for sale and the second-gen device is a "proof of concept."
"We do have a new Pixel coming out and it will be coming out soon. We will be selling it but I just have to set your expectations: this is a development platform. We don't make very many of these - we really don't. And [...] our developers and our Googlers consume 85 percent of what we produce. But yes, we do have a new Pixel coming out," stated Niemi.
Reports claim Pixel 2 will boast reversible Type C USB ports, the same 12.85-inch screen with high resolution as in the first Pixel, two built-in separate fans, and possibly Chromium's "Freon" pseudo-display server replacement.
The initial Chromebook Pixel, which debuted at Google's I/O developer conference in May 2013, was highly regarded for its high-resolution touch display, featured a dual-core Intel Core i5 processor and 4GB RAM.
Pricing started at $1,299 and it's expected the second generation won't be any cheaper. In comparison the Chromebook typically doesn't cost much above $350.
At the time the first Pixel arrived Sundar Pichai, who was VP of Chrome at the time, called the Pixel the "best possible Chromebook experience."
As Tech Times reported last week Chromebooks are gaining popularity in the K-12 education market, and Dell recently announced its second-gen model called Chromebook 11. The portable computing device is designed for the physical pressure a student might put it through.
"The classroom is changing quickly, and innovative technology is a major way for students to enjoy a collaborative educational experience," said Sam Burd, VP and GM of Dell Personal Computing Product Group, in announcing the new laptop.
In related news a report last week revealed Google is looking to push more 2-in1 devices this year, according to Digitimes Research, and planning to complete a 2-in-1 Chromebook by the end of the first quarter.
In 2014 worldwide Chromebook shipments reached 6.5 million units. This year's Google I/O conference is set for May 28-29.