Google Chromebook is one of the favorites in the tech-world. It is mainly popular among schools and students because it is cheaper than a regular laptop. This is because they use a completely different OS. Usually, the common operating systems include iOS, Windows, and Linux. But for Chromebook, it uses it’s very own Chrome OS. The only downside to this is that you can only get regular automatic updates for 6.5 years. But now, Google has just announced that they extended Chromebook life by three more years.
Updated on 4 November 2024
Auto Update Expiration (AUE)
The Auto Update Expiration of Chromebooks has a time limit of only six and a half years. So while it may definitely be cheaper compared to a usual laptop running Windows or iOS, it won’t last as long.
The AUE also takes with it technical support. So, if you notice something wrong with your hardware after 7 years, you can’t do anything else but to buy a new laptop.
However, there’s a slight complication in this system. Google attaches the AUE to the hardware platform rather than individual Chromebooks. So if ever a manufacturer uses hardware that’s a couple of years older in a new Chromebook, the AUE will be two years shorter.
But it’s not as if Google does this on purpose. In fact, the company even advises manufacturers to always choose the newest platform. So that, they can provide the longest support possible for the customer.
Life Extension
But now, Chrome Unboxed has just released an article saying that they granted a Chromebook life extension of three years. This includes all seven models created by Lenovo, plus one by Poin2.
- Lenovo Flex 11 Chromebook
- Lenovo 100e Chromebook 2nd Gen MTK
- Lenovo N23 Yoga Chromebook
- Lenovo 300e Chromebook
- Lenovo 300e Chromebook 2nd Gen MTK
- Lenovo Ideapad S330 Chromebook
- Lenovo Ideapad C330 Chromebook
- Poin2 Chromebook 14
“This isn’t something we’ve seen from Google, ever. At one point, the Auto Update Policy was updated from 5 to 6.5 years but this adds that amount of time to these Chromebooks based more closely on their release date as opposed to their platform launch.”
At first, the eight models were due for their Automatic Update Expiration in 2022. But thanks to the recent extended Chromebook life, they can keep getting updates until June 2025.
But you should probably know that the reason why they can continue giving support is that it relies on third-party component suppliers. These suppliers continue to work with Google to support the Chromebook models for the next five years.
Now, because of the extended support, a lot of people are turning their eyes towards getting a Chromebook. If you’re looking for a cheap, simple laptop, then this is definitely for you. Since it mainly focuses on internet use, it doesn’t really do much with regards to other functions.
“… these MediaTek Chromebooks just got a new lease on life and that makes them much more of a value than they were just a few weeks ago. Picking up a Chromebook that performs well enough for the casual user that will do so for 5+ years and do it for around $250 is a big win for the consumer Chrome OS market.”
