News has made its way around the internet of a very public, very specific job that Google is currently hiring for. As OMG! Chrome! first reported, the job posting is for Quality Engineer, Chromebook Pixel. Feel free to check it out here if you haven’t already. It’s a quick read.
Quite clearly, this points to another Pixel. When that may happen is a mystery that this job listing does nothing to solve. However, there are a few little nuggets in this job description that have us at least a little hopeful and a bit speculative. So, Gabriel and I are going to take turns quickly sharing our thoughts and dreams of what may be coming from this future Quality Engineer in Singapore.
What Robby Thinks:
I have a few thoughts here. First, the title alone tells me this job will entail dealing with a new Chromebook of some sort. While I want and hope for other devices, the title alone leads me to assume this will, in fact, be a Chromebook.
Now, that could have a few caveats. The Pixel C didn’t exactly break any sales records, so I could see Google attempting some sort of 2-in-1 or tablet for the next Pixel. My hope is exactly that. The Pixel C with Chrome OS and a trackpad would likely be a lovely device.
Second, let’s look at the verbiage around this statement:
As a Quality Engineer, you will be part of shaping Google’s next game-changer.
Seems quite clear that this job will be dealing with not just a new Pixel, but a new type of Pixel. What could that mean? If I’m dreaming, I’m back to the detachable set up, super thin, Skylake processors, awesome build, etc. I can’t imagine just tweaking the existing Pixel (as they did from 2013 to 2015) would have that language around it. That’s iteration, not game-changing. A premium tablet that can be a fully-functioning laptop/desktop replacement? Now that is game-changing for sure.
And something Microsoft has been grasping at for a few years now without success.
Lastly, it is my hope that they break their existing product launch cycle. The Pixel Chromebooks (not the Pixel C) were both announced and launched in the spring, 2 years apart from one another. Following that logic, that puts us into the spring of 2017. Not unrealistic, honestly, but my hope is for a device launch right in time for the incoming Android App invasion this fall. Is that too much to expect? Probably. But a guy can dream, right?
What Gabriel Thinks:
First and foremost, I will go ahead and put my opinion out there that this is indeed a new Chromebook device. What type? Your guess is as good as mine. But, something I found intriguing in the job listing was the first bullet point under the responsibilities listing.
Have a strong wireless Consumer Electronics industrial background.
I find this very interesting. While wireless technology is inherently a part of any Chromebook build, is it something that would be a major focus point for anyone engineering a new Chrome OS device? Industry standards are pretty much the norm for most OEMs.
What’s Google up to?
There have been rumors since 2014 of a Pixel-branded Nexus device, but, as Robby pointed out, this job listing clearly points to a Chromebook. And while LTE connectivity isn’t new to the Chromebook market, it isn’t exactly a much-sought-after option.
Enter Android apps and the Play Store. With the announcement of Android apps coming to Chrome OS 53 later this year, the desire for a truly portable device has definitely increased; making wireless technology a key feature.
As Robby is hoping, I think this hints at a new convertible Pixel device that takes full advantage of Chrome OS as well as the Play Store. And, like Robby, I would love to see a detachable device that could truly function as a daily driver, have the power to push external monitors and possess the versatility to use on the go.
For now, we will continue to speculate and look for clues.
So, with all that said, whatever Google is working on will no doubt be BIG. We look forward to this “game changing device” and will keep you in the loop as find out more. Clearly, there’s something in the works in Singapore. Until we learn more, there’s no harm in dreaming a bit. So, what are your thoughts on a new Pixel? What are your hopes? We’d love to hear about it in the comments!
