New Chromebooks, a better Chrome OS

Microsoft attacked the Chrome OS platform recently in a series of video ads integrated with its anti-Google ‘Scroogled’ campaign. The move was significant, as it suggested that if Chromebooks weren’t already flying off store shelves, Microsoft was worried that they soon would be.

In the US and the UK, Chromebooks frequently top Amazon’s best sellers list for notebooks. In the last 12 months, we’ve seen new Chrome OS-powered laptops from HP, Lenovo, Dell and Acer. Google also launched the gorgeous but expensive Chromebook Pixel and Toshiba will reportedly unveil a new Chromebook in early 2014 .

Laptop and desktop PC sales are on the decline, but clearly Google sees an opportunity to reinvigorate the form factor with Chrome OS. The price-tag is certainly tempting for many users, but it needs to build on the platform and prove that it’s an adequate substitute for Windows, Mac and Linux. Furthermore, expect Google to release some significant updates for Chrome OS and a renewed push for Chrome Apps (formerly called Packaged Apps).

As the platform picks up steam, we’re bound to see new Chromebooks from many of the major PC manufacturers. A successor to the Chromebook Pixel? Unlikely, but never say never…