The original Google Chromebook Pixel from 2013 has reportedly now reached its the end of its ‘lifecycle’ and will no longer be receiving any automatic updates. As of this writing, the change has yet to appear in the official Chromium Projects’ list of Chrome OS devices for developers just yet and the change was actually intended to happen in June of this year. This particular Chromebook managed to survive a full two months beyond its scheduled 5-year automatic update period, which is impressive in its own right. The average laptop typically lasts between three and five years before needing to be replaced and Chromebooks are only guaranteed to receive automatic updates for five years. In effect, the news means that Google will no longer be pushing new OS updates to the company’s first Pixel-branded Chromebook, which includes security updates. Support from the Google Cloud and Google for Education teams will also no longer be available for those using the Pixel in those capacities.
Having said that, the laptop-like Chrome OS device will continue to work aside from no longer receiving the above-mentioned updates or support. Any and all features on user devices should continue to function normally. The same could be said about Android apps or similar third-party software since those updates are handled by third-party developers. However, the Chromebook Pixel never received those so that really isn’t an issue here. In short, those who are not concerned about the lack of new OS updates, security features, or support should be okay to continue using their original Google Pixel Chromebook for as long as the hardware allows it.
In the meantime, those who are looking to buy a new Chromebook have a huge variety of options to choose from. There’s also plenty of good reason to upgrade since modern devices now support Android apps and many will soon support desktop Linux applications. Google itself has released no fewer than two such devices bearing some form of the “Pixel” branding since 2013. What’s more, the search giant may be launching a brand new device in at least two configurations – a standard clamshell hybrid device and a tablet with a detachable keyboard – in just a few short months. That’s expected to be announced at Google’s hardware event currently anticipated to take place in early October and the company typically sends new hardware to market within a month of its respective announcement.
