Google Chromebit HDMI stick turns your television into a PC


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Google Chromebit



Google has announced a pocket-sized computer that can turn any display into a fully functioning personal computer.


The device, manufactured by Asus and called the Chromebit, is an chocolate bar-like PC which crams the functionality of a Chromebook notebook into a HDMI dongle.


Specs wise, it has 2GB RAM, a Rockchip 3288 SoC, 16GB of storage, a USB 2.0 port, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi and an ARM Mali 760 quad-core GPU.


Naturally, the Chromebit will run on the Chrome OS allowing users to access the plethora of web-based Google software and applications on any monitor.


All users will need to to in order to use the dongle, is plug it into to the HDMI socket of the display. Users will need to provide their own mouse, keyboard and accessories.


Design wise, it’s also pretty handy with a neat hinge that enables it to fold back against the display.


Related: Google Chromecase UK review


The Chromebit, which will be the first of its kind, will arrive on the market this summer, in orange, blue and grey for under $100 (around $60). Google and Asus will be going up against the Intel Computer Stick which, for $150, runs Windows 8.1.


The device puts improves Google's ever expanding hardware empire. Alongside its Nexus smartphones and tablets and branded Android Wear watches, it now has an impressive foothold in video streaming, computing and home automation.


Last month the firm opened up an online Google Store and the company's first brick and mortar retail outlet opened up in London.