Google is adding significant upgrades to Chromebooks, increasing the number of years for upcoming updates. In a recent announcement, Google mentioned that all Chromebook platforms will now receive regular automatic updates every four weeks to provide better security. Meanwhile, Chromebooks that no longer receive automatic updates will have strong built-in security features. Moreover, the repair process also becomes faster with new ChromeOS updates for Chromebooks. New energy-efficient features will also arrive in the coming months, with adaptive charging technology for longer battery life.
In its latest blog post, published on September 14, Google made new announcements for Chromebook users. The company, which introduced Chromebooks in 2012, has revealed that all Chromebooks released in 2021 or later will receive automatic updates for 10 years from 2024 after the platform’s release. Google previously offered software updates for up to eight years for ChromeOS.
On the other hand, users with Chromebooks released before 2021 can extend automatic updates for up to ten years from the platform’s release. The tech giant plans to prioritize the security of Chromebooks users with these updates.
Another important update will be a faster repair process. Currently, users can get their Chromebooks repaired through Chromebook Repair Program partners or through organizations that offer Chromebook repair certifications. However, Google will soon introduce new repair flows that will allow authorized repair centers, especially in the US, to repair Chromebooks without a physical USB key.
Taking a step towards environmental conservation, Google is now taking steps to introduce energy-efficient features in the upcoming updates. It also adds adaptive charging support to help Chromebooks batteries last longer. The battery saver feature helps reduce power-hungry features on the device.
In a conscious decision to reduce e-waste, where devices are dumped once they stop receiving updates, Google has also made recycling easier and more accessible for Chromebook users. Now they can recycle Chromebooks with the help of a reseller or refurbisher. The company also plans to reduce the operating costs of the device to make it feasible for more students.
