Google Chromebit (Photo : Facebook)
The world of Google Chrome continues to expand with the new candy bar-sized Chromebit stick. Asus' $100 Chromebit promises the cheapest student-friendly option.
Google reports that Chromebit is one of 10 Chrome products that will be launched during the next two months, according to PC World. The prices will range from $149 to $499.
The new tiny device is a Chrome OS computer that users can plug into a display via HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface). Users can then use a USB or Bluetooth to connect accessories such as a keyboard or mouse.
The launch of Chromebit continues Google's new direction with Chrome hardware that started about a year ago. That is when it unveiled Chromebox for Meetings.
PCs are generally continuing their relocation from desktops to mobile devices. Meanwhile, Chromebooks combine the best of best worlds, catering to both businesses and schools.
In fact, the California-based search engine giant reported last year that in the second quarter of 2014 its sales of Chromebook units to schools totaled one million, according to ZDNet.
Besides being portable, Chromebook's rock-bottom prices have also boosted its popularity in schools.
On March 31, Tuesday, Google reduced the entry point to $149 when it launched Hisense Chromebook and Chromebook 11. Both models with their promoted "all day" battery life can be purchased at Walmart and Amazon.
Cyrus Mistry is a manager for the Chromesbooks for Education team. He stated in a blog post that the $149 entry point will allow "33 percent" more students to use Chromebooks, for the same budget.
Google plans to continue launching new products that serve students and teachers, for the remainder of the year. Dell rolled out a new version of Chromebook 11 in February, while Acer launched its Chromebook 15 last month.
Google has not made an announcement regarding Chromebit's pricing and availability. However, it has promised that the price will drop later this year to under $100. Students and teachers alike will be thrilled to learn that.
