The world of ChromeOS tablets and 2-in-1 devices may be getting a new contender, with all signs pointing to a successor to the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5. While not an official announcement, intriguing clues have emerged from Chromium, the foundation of ChromeOS.
This potential ChromeOS tablet, codenamed ‘Ciri,’ is stirring up excitement due to hints found in Chromium’s code. What’s catching the attention of tech enthusiasts is the fact that ‘Ciri’ shares the same battery specifications as the Duet 5. While not conclusive, it’s a compelling indicator of a successor in the making.
What adds to the anticipation is that ‘Ciri’ is expected to be powered by the MediaTek MT8188 chipset, a component that’s yet to be officially unveiled. This chipset is projected to offer substantial performance gains compared to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 found in the Duet 5.
The breadcrumbs leading to ‘Ciri’ began in August when the baseboard for the device was added to Chromium. Now, with battery specifications attached, the possibility of a new ChromeOS tablet becomes more likely. However, it’s important to note that technology’s path can be unpredictable, and the ‘Ciri’ device may evolve differently or not materialize at all.
The concept of a ChromeOS tablet with 2-in-1 capabilities is an exciting prospect, as it’s a product category that has seen limited offerings. Notably, the Google Pixel Slate dates back to 2018, and current models are relatively scarce, with the Asus CL3 CL3000 being one of the few available options.
In contrast, the market is flooded with Windows 2-in-1 devices, and Apple continues to promote the iPad as a potential laptop replacement. As such, the realm of ChromeOS devices is ripe for innovation, especially in the detachable tablet segment.
While an official announcement is likely still on the horizon, Lenovo’s potential unveiling of the ‘Ciri’ device is worth keeping a close eye on. It could bring new energy and competition to the world of ChromeOS tablets, offering users more choices in the ever-evolving landscape of tech devices.
