Google launches laptops built for cloud gaming, having killed Stadia
PHOTO: Google
According to Google, the Acer Chromebook 516 GE, Asus Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip and Lenovo Ideapad Gaming Chromebook will all have refresh rates of at least 120Hz, displays with up to 1600p resolution, immersive audio and WiFi 6 or 6E connectivity to make cloud gaming an easy process.
There will also be models that will have keyboards with RGB, so consumers will have plenty of options to choose from.
As for gaming itself, all three Google Chromebook laptops will be capable of running various games at 120 frames per second at 1080p, as well as "console-class" input latency of under 85ms, which should make anyone looking into cloud gaming really happy.
Here are the specifications for each of the laptops:
Acer Chromebook 516 GE ($933)
- 16-inch, 120Hz 1600p display
- RGB anti-ghosting keyboard
- WiFi 6E
- Ethernet port
- Four DTS and force-canceling speakers
- 12th-gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processor
- Intel Iris Xe graphics
- Up to 16GB of RAM
- Up to 256GB of solid state drive storage
- Two microphones
- Combo audio jack
- 1080p webcam that captures video at up to 60 frames per second
- DisplayPort support
- Dual USB-C, USB-A and HDMI ports
- 65Wh battery with up to 9 hours of battery life
- 3.75 lbs (1.7kg)
Asus Vibe CX55 Flip
- Two-in-one convertible Chromebook that can be used in tablet mode
- 144Hz Full HD (1080p) display
- Anti-ghosting keyboard
- WiFi 6
- Dual Harmon Kardon-certified speakers
- Up to an 11th-gen Intel Core i7 CPU
- Up to 16GB RAM
- Up to 512GB of storage
- HDMI 2.0 output
- Up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge
Lenovo Ideapad Gaming Chromebook ($860)
- 16-inch 120Hz WQXGA display
- RGB anti-ghosting keyboard
- WiFi 6E
- Quad speaker system
- 12th-gen Intel Core i3 or i5 CPU
- 8GB of RAM
- Up to 512GB of SSD storage
- 4 lbs (1.82 kg)
- Up to 11 hours of battery life
All three devices will support Xbox Cloud Gaming, Amazon Luna and Nvidia GeForce Now, including support for the highest RTX 3080 tier that enables cloud gaming at 120 fps at a resolution of 1600p.
Additionally, these Chromebooks will come with three-month trials for both the GeForce Now RTX 3080 tier and Amazon Luna.
As with other Chromebooks, these laptops are running ChromeOS, and that should be something to consider when thinking of these new Google solutions for cloud gaming.
Here's hoping things go better for this new initiative compared to Stadia.
ALSO READ: Google to wind down game streaming service Stadia
This article was first published in Geek Culture.