Alphabet’s (NASDAQ:GOOGL) Google, under its Chromebook initiative, is set to bolster its offerings with advanced features on ChromeOS. The company plans to unveil a “Privacy control” feature in ChromeOS, allowing users greater discretion over access to their geolocation by Android apps, web browsers, and system services. Moreover, this privacy feature will extend to granting application-level permissions for cameras and microphones for both web and Android applications. Additionally, ChromeOS will provide secure local data recovery options for enterprise users, necessitating account and device access for password restoration, with immediate detection of unauthorized access.
This move is expected to attract significant interest among Chromebook users, further solidifying Alphabet’s position in the market.
Expansion of Chromebook Efforts
In conjunction with the privacy feature, Google intends to launch an ‘App Mall’ to facilitate users in discovering and installing their preferred applications or games on Chromebook or ChromeOS tablets. The App Mall will offer users the ability to explore and install new Android apps from the Google Play Store, as well as games through platforms like Steam and Linux development environments such as Android Studio. Additionally, Google plans to enhance ChromeOS with quality-of-life improvements, including updates to the launcher, profile picture concealment, a new settings icon, Diagnostics app cards, and app installations from the Play Store, akin to Android and iOS platforms.
These advancements in Chromebook offerings are poised to help Alphabet capitalize on growth opportunities in the laptop and tablet markets. According to reports, the global laptop market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% between 2024 and 2032, while the global tablet market size is estimated to reach $53.78 billion by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.4% during the forecast period of 2023-2029.
Furthermore, these developments are expected to bolster Alphabet’s Google Services segment, a key growth driver for the company. Alphabet’s shares have surged by 45.9% in the past year compared to the growth of 44.6% in the Zacks Computer & Technology sector.
The strengthening Google Services segment is anticipated to contribute to Alphabet’s overall financial performance soon, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate projecting total revenues of $290.4 billion for 2024, representing a year-over-year growth of 13.2%.
Heightened Competition
Alphabet’s ongoing enhancements to Chromebook pose a challenge to competitors like Apple and Microsoft, who are also intensifying efforts to enhance their notebook and laptop offerings.
Apple’s macOS Sonoma update for compatible Macs introduces several improvements, including desktop widgets, screen savers, video conferencing enhancements, Safari updates, and optimized gaming features, enriching the Mac experience. Additionally, Apple recently unveiled the new MacBook Air with an M3 chip, delivering up to 60% faster performance than the M1 model and 13 times faster than the fastest Intel-based model, alongside features like a thin, lightweight design, an 18-hour battery life, a Liquid Retina display, and support for up to two external displays with 2x faster Wi-Fi.
Meanwhile, Microsoft launched the Surface Pro 10 for Business and the Surface Laptop 6 for Business, equipped with enhanced specifications and generative AI features, offering improved natural language processing for business users.
Featured Image: Megapixl
