Select Chromebooks Get Google Auto Update Policy Extensions
On my to-do list of things to look for when purchasing a Chromebook is how long the device I am going buy will receive automatic feature and security update from Google. This is important because it allows me to gauge the lifespan of the device in a way the helps me efficiently plan my next purchase.
Google Auto Update Policy works in such a way that it enhances both the device itself and software that runs it by ensuring things like the operating system, browser and firmware receive the required dependencies.
The company usually gives each new hardware platform about 6.5 years of Auto-Update support and the clock starts ticking immediately the hardware gets released.
The policy sits in perfectly with devices that have mid-range to low hardware but it can be a bit of pain when a Chromebook that cost hundreds of dollars to purchase and has the required internals to run for several years suddenly stops receiving automatic updates.
However, the mega-tech company seems to have softened its stance with Update Policy by extending the expiry date for a select Chromebooks.
- Flex 11 Chromebook
- 100e Chromebook 2nd Gen MTK
- N23 Yoga Chromebook
- 300e Chromebook
- 300e Chromebook 2nd Gen MTK
- Ideapad S330 Chromebook
- Ideapad C330 Chromebook
- Poin2 Chromebook 14
These Chromebooks are expected to get an additional three years of Automatic security and feature updates from Google. Why the company decided to extend the life expectancy of these devices and why it picked just a few brands is still unclear but the extension means Google will continue to support them for at least three more years.
On a personal note, I hope the same treatment gets extended to more brands as devices like the Chromebook Pixel — which expired on June 2018– and the Chromebook Pixel 2015 Edition –which expires on Jun 2020 — have the required hardware to handle some more years.
