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Josh Miller/CNET
A second generation of Google’s pricey Chromebook Pixel is coming, the head of the company’s Android and Chrome work programs may have let slip on Monday.
Speaking at the TeamWork 2015 event Monday in San Diego, Google’s Renee Niemi said the company plans to launch the Chromebook Pixel 2 “soon,” according to OMG Chrome. Niemi provided precious few details on the device, but did say that the Chrome OS-based computer is designed to be a “proof of concept,” hinting that like its predecessor, it will come with high-end specs.
The first Chromebook Pixel launched in 2013 with high-end features not typically seen in a Chrome OS-based device. The computer, which started at $1,299 at launch, offered a high-res display and built-in touchscreen and added 1TB of free cloud storage and an option to boost wireless connectivity with 4G LTE.
Google’s option stood in stark contrast to other Chromebooks. The higher-end device, which is still available, outdid its cousins with better specs and a nicer design. Other Chromebooks at the time were available for just a few hundred dollars, and today’s average Chromebook has not ventured far from that price.
After reviewing the Chromebook Pixel in 2013, CNET senior writer Seth Rosenblatt said the computer had but was “impossible to recommend for the vast majority of users.” He gave the computer 2.5 stars out of five.
Rumors have been swirling for the last few weeks that Google has plans to launch a new Chromebook Pixel. It is rumored to come with a 12.8-inch screen and high pixel density.
According to Niemi, the Chromebook Pixel 2 is designed for developers. She noted that “developers and our Googlers consume 85 percent of what we produce,” adding that the company doesn’t plan to build very many Pixels because of that.
It appears that Google wasn’t happy that Niemi revealed the Chromebook Pixel 2 is launching soon. A video published by Google of her talk at TeamWork 2015 that included mention of the upcoming Chromebook Pixel has since been made private.
Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
