It’s not the first time Google has cancelled or EOL (end of live) a ChromeOS device. But I was surprised to hear that they cancelled as many devices, or more, in development as they have actually released. The fact of the matter is that ChromeOS laptops are typically rebranded standard Linux capable laptops and in very few cases they were actually fully developed by Google.
I seriously doubt that Google built a manufacturing plant for Chrome devices
So the idea that they would cancel so many projects seems weird to me. If we have learned anything from Ford, IBM, Dell or Lenovo… is that the only thing that differs one device from the next it (i) the software that does the bootstrap (ii) the brand or badge (iii) the quality of the components.
I’m certain Google outsourced the actual assembly
Really we should be asking what secret sauce does Google bring to the table. In my mind it’s the quality of the software and the ability to deliver it. Right now the only thing that differs most of the manufacturing out there is some basic functionality because they all have…
size and weight and materials
So why on earth does Google discard one device over the next or why at all. Marketing should have decided exactly what they are planning to sell or support.
Enter Chrome Flex
Chrome Flex was an interesting acquisition. On the one hand it means that Google can control the quality and they can be environmentally friendly by recycling lower performance or EOL systems. So in that respect it’s a great idea… if Flex is at parity levels with Stable ChromeOS.
In my opinion I think Google should contract a different US company to build a new ChromeOS device every year and then rotate each year. I think they should contract different manufacturers in different regions for the same purpose. Lenovo in China and Ericsson in Sweden. It’s interesting and admirable to build your own hardware but really?