Google extends Chromebook lifespan to 10 years

I love Chromebook, but there was one thing that always bothered them. These can run for years (I still have some running for over 10 years), but officially, Google and Chromebook vendors only support up to Automatic Update Expiration (AUE) data. Previously, the term was 3 to 5 years, but for models released after 2020, the term is now up to 8 years. Now, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal (WSJ). Google supports all Chromebooks for 10 years.

Personally, it never bothered me that they had a limited lifespan. My old Chromebook worked fine. But corporate and school systems required support contracts and required retirement of old Chromebooks. not good.

Also: Best Chromebooks for Students

So, in response to growing concerns from school administrators about the limited lifespan of Chromebooks, Google has significantly extended support. This move aims to keep these devices cost-effective for educational institutions and prevent negative impacts. premature e-waste. Doubling the original shelf life of Chromebooks could save public schools and taxpayers an estimated amount of money. $1.8 billion.

Under the new policy, Google will provide security patches and software upgrades for Chromebooks for up to 10 years. This significant extension begins next year and effectively guarantees that your existing Chromebooks won’t expire in the next two years.

However, a Google spokesperson said, “Any changes to expiration policies must be coordinated with each partner that manufactures the components for these devices, which requires security and performance guarantees from the manufacturers.” “Yes,” he added with a warning. Other Google sources suggested that major Chromebook vendors are expected to work with the company to extend the life of the hardware.

Also: 5 reasons why Chromebooks are the perfect laptop for most people

This 10-year support policy begins in 2024. Specifically, Google provides support for certain “platforms.” Platforms are not manufacturer brands. Instead, support is expected to be for specific models. For example, a low-end ARM-powered Chromebook would be one model type for him, and a high-end Intel i5 Chromebook would be another.

However, on the other hand, Google also announced that it will extend support for all Chromebooks from 2021 onwards. Additionally, if you have an older Chromebook from before 2021, you can extend support once you reach AUE. So, if you Chromebook support is ending Within the next two years, you will receive an additional two to three years of support.

Overall, Chromebooks look like a better value than ever for people who want an inexpensive laptop for school, work, Linux, or anything other than gaming, photography, and video. Windows PCs offer the best options for pure play, while Macs are perfect for photographers and videographers.