Google today introduced a HDMI stick that you shouldn’t confuse with Chromecast. It’s actually a lot different from that streaming stick. It’s actually quite similar to the Compute Stick from Intel. Just plug it into any HDMI display and use it as a PC that runs Chrome OS. So basically its a computer that’s powered by Google’s cloud based operating system.
Google says that the Chromebit is “the perfect upgrade” for an existing desktop and that it can be really useful for businesses and schools.
Inside the stick there is a Rockchip 3288 SoC accompanied by 2GB RAM and 16GB of eMMC storage. It has a USB 2.0 port, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11ac support, ARM Mali 760 quadcore GPU and a Smart Ready controller.
Setting it up is very easy. Just plug it into any display that has a HDMI port and you’re good to go. Since the OS is cloud based you will require an internet connection at all times, otherwise the Chromebit won’t be of any use.
Google is partnering with Asus for the first Chromebit though other manufacturers might join the fray as well. The company hasn’t provided a concrete release date yet for this stick but does say that it will be released over the summer.
Official price tag hasn’t been revealed but Google says that it will cost less than $100.
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