Chinese technology company Lenovo plans to increase their Yoga Book lineup, a series of portable computers that runs on different operating systems. Next year, the multinational company plans to release another 2-in-1 laptop that will run on Google's Chrome operating system.
Jeff Meredith, vice president and general manager of Lenovo's Android and Chrome Computing Business Group, confirmed the company's plan to extend the flexibility of its Yoga Book series by making a Chrome-based version. The company has already released Windows 10 and Android 6.0 Marshmallow models and now, they want to use a third operating system, according to a report by Tom's Guide.
"Over time, we probably see the Android and Chrome versions melding together, especially based on the fact that we've now seen Chrome roll out the Google Play store capability into Chrome," Meredith said during the conversation with the publication. "We'll probably maintain the three distinctive products throughout the next year at least."
According to LaptopMag, Meredith also added that the educational sector is where the Chromebook series is making its presence, and there is also a lot of interest with regards to the form factor of their Yoga Book.
In terms of sales performance, the general manager mentioned that their innovative 2-in-1 laptops are performing well in Japan, Germany and China. Sales in the United States are "just average," and introducing the Chrome OS could bring in additional profits from its intended market.
Additionally, Lenevo also plans to extend its presence on brick-and-mortar stores across the U.S. Currently, their products are sold exclusively by Walmart, but by 2017, there will be other retailers that will be offering their lineup. Deals are already signed and hopefully the Yoga Book will soon be available in Best Buy's physica stores, Digital Trends reported.
The latest Android-based Yoga Book starts at $500, while its Windows 10 version starts at $550. Both devices are powered by an Intel Atom x5-Z8550 processor and comes with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage. The real cool feature of the Yoga Books is its Real Pen stylus that can be used on paper and on the digitizer that can detect up to 2,048 pressure levels and never runs out of battery -- it runs on Electro-Magnetic Radiation. It also comes with a touch-based keyboard.
The Chrome-based Yoga Book has no specific release date yet but it just might hit store shelves by mid 2017.