Good news: cheaper Googlebooks are coming as well.

When the new Googlebook were officially unveiled earlier this month, the company chose to position them immediately in the high-end of the market.

These are Android-based devices deeply integrated with Gemini’s AI, built with technical specifications designed to directly compete with the most prestigious laptops.

This move has promptly sparked a debate about the fate of traditional Chromebooks. The latter, in fact, have built their global success on economic convenience, becoming indispensable tools in the education sector and for users seeking simple and affordable machines.

Google reassures, cheaper Googlebooks will come too

A recent statement from Mountain View has, however, clarified the company’s long-term plans, dispelling initial doubts.

During a lengthy interview given to the specialized publication Chrome Unboxed, John Maletis, vice president and general manager of the ChromeOS division, explained that the initial launch phase is intentionally focused on the premium segment, but the company’s labs are already actively working on much more economical models.

According to the executive, the company has always believed in the importance of delivering technologies capable of increasing productivity, ensuring access to information regardless of the consumer’s budget.

For this reason, although the very first generation of these devices is characterized by high prices, future variants will see a significant reduction in costs.

This outlook clarifies the roadmap for the future of portable devices with Google’s new OS. At present, the two families of devices seem to address market needs that are clearly separate. On one side we have Chromebooks, appreciated for their ease of management in business and education, intrinsic security, and affordable price points. On the other side, Googlebooks present themselves as sophisticated machines, designed to openly challenge Windows PCs and MacBooks.

However, if these newcomers were to reduce price within a few years, bringing native compatibility with all Android applications and the advanced AI features, the clear separation between the two product lines would blur to the point of disappearing.

Transition and guaranteed support

All of this suggests that the classic ChromeOS line could be gradually absorbed into this new experience. However, consumers and schools relying on the current ecosystem should not fear any abrupt abandonment.

The management has confirmed that the production of classic Chromebooks will continue at full pace, with new hardware launches planned throughout the coming year.

Moreover, models currently in circulation will continue to receive timely system updates and security patches for many years.

A particularly interesting detail concerns software management: the company will allow some Chromebooks already existing to migrate to the new operating experience, offering a smooth transition for users.

Recent moves confirm that these new devices represent the true long-term strategy for the future of the California-based company’s mobile computing.