Future Google Chromebooks Will Take Inspiration From Apple’s M1 Macs

A Google Pixelbook Go.

When it comes to processing power, power efficiency, and software optimization, Apple’s M1 Macs have the upper hand over all PCs and Chromebooks. That’s the big benefit of using custom-made “Apple Silicon” chipsets instead of Intel processors. But Google may catch up to Apple in 2023, when it’s rumored to launch a Pixelbook with an in-house Tensor chip.

We first heard about the Tensor chipset when Google teased the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro smartphones last month. Google usually runs its phones on Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, but like Apple’s custom processors, the in-house Tensor chip can be optimized to meet Google’s goals—better performance, better battery life, better computational photography AI.

As reported by Nikkei Asia, Google wants to see these same improvements in the Pixelbook. That means abandoning Intel, MediaTek, and AMD processors for a custom-made Tensor ARM chipset. We assume that Google will tailor an upgraded version of the Tensor processor for its Pixelbook, given the company’s penchant for high-end Intel processors in the Pixelbook series.

Inside sources tell Nikkei Asia that the Tensor Chromebooks are inspired by Apple’s M1 Mac. But I’d like to point out one important detail—Google hasn’t released a first-party Chromebook since 2019’s Pixelbook Go. From my perspective, it seems that Google paused its laptop lineup to develop the Tensor Pixelbook we’re hearing about today. Of course, I’m just speculating about a product that Google is yet to announce, so you should take my thoughts with a grain of salt.

If rumors are correct, Google will launch its Tensor Pixelbook in 2023. The company could also release a new Chrome OS tablet on the chipset (a replacement for the neglected Pixel Slate).

Source: Nikkei Asia via 9to5Google