Alphabet’s (NASDAQ:GOOGL) Google is rolling out ChromeOS 117, aiming to bring significant advancements to Chromebooks. Among the notable updates is the inclusion of Material You and various usability improvements.
The Material You redesign in Quick Settings introduces rounded rectangles for the grid layout and smaller cards for functions like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Nearby Share, Cast Screen, VPN, and screen capture. These come with larger buttons and a distinct notification panel. Additionally, the device update introduces a volume slider, Live Caption button, brightness controls, Night Light, Power off, Restart, Sign out, Lock menu, battery and time remaining indicators, and a shortcut to the full Settings app.
Google has also introduced a Dynamic Color theme, allowing users to choose from four accent colors that adapt to the system’s light and dark theme. Users can conveniently control these options from the Wallpaper & Style app.
Furthermore, the latest update offers several other features, including the ability to search for GIFs in the emoji picker, simultaneous audio streaming from Android apps and the web, time-lapse video recording in the Camera app, and improved search results for OS version, battery status, RAM, storage, and CPU performance.
This move is expected to solidify Google’s position among Chromebook users and enhance the platform’s overall appeal.
Expanding Chromebook Updates
In addition to these improvements, Alphabet recently collaborated with policymakers and data-privacy regulators to introduce new features such as data processor mode, data controls, and camera and mic toggles on Chromebooks. These enhancements cater to privacy-focused education services.
Google has also made waves by unveiling the world’s first cloud-based Chromebook laptops in partnership with Acer, ASUS, and Lenovo. These laptops offer gaming hardware, cloud-based access to games, and advanced gaming software.
All of these initiatives align with Alphabet’s broader efforts to strengthen its Google Services segment. In the second quarter of 2023, Google Services’ revenues increased by 5.5% year over year, reaching $66.3 billion, accounting for 88.8% of total revenues.
Our model projects Google Services revenues for 2023 at $267.05 billion, reflecting a 5.3% growth compared to 2022. The growing momentum in this segment is expected to bolster Alphabet’s overall financial performance and likely boost investor confidence in the company’s stock.
Our model estimates total revenues for Alphabet in 2023 to be $300.45 billion, indicating a year-over-year growth rate of 6.2%.
Alphabet has performed strongly, gaining 48% year-to-date, outpacing the industry’s growth rate of 46.1%.
Facing Tough Competition
Alphabet’s Chromebook update is set to enhance its competitive edge against rivals like Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), who are actively working to improve their offerings.
Apple recently unveiled a range of products, including the 15-inch MacBook Air, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro, all powered by Apple silicon. These laptops feature Liquid Retina displays, M2 Max processors, Ultra performance, and PCIe expansion, delivering significant upgrades for Intel-based and PC users. Additionally, Apple’s macOS Sonoma update brings improvements over its predecessor, Venture, and is now available for compatible Macs.
Meanwhile, Microsoft launched the Surface Laptop Studio 2, its first laptop with a dedicated VPU AI accelerator, offering Windows 11 Copilot functionality, expanded port selection, and extended battery life. Microsoft also introduced the Surface Laptop Go 3, a 2-in-1 portable laptop featuring a 12th-Gen Alder Lake mobile architecture for efficient multitasking, running on the Intel Core i5-1235U with 10 cores and 12 threads configuration.
Featured Image: Unsplash @ Solen Feyissa
