A job posting on Google’s official Careers page first sighted by OMG! Chrome! seems to indicate that Google might be planning to start work on yet another Chromebook Pixel. The job opening was first posted last month entitled “Quality Engineer, Chromebook Pixel.”
The company had first introduced its Chromebook Pixel lineup back in 2013 with a model priced at $1,299. We then got updated models last year in two separate versions priced at $999 and $1,299. The lower-end device has been discontinued since then.
Other than this, the company released a hybrid device last September called the Pixel C. The Pixel C was also created by the same team that worked on the former Chromebook Pixel devices. This device, though, didn’t get much applause unlike its brethren.
The new job posting published by Google points towards the fact that the company might be starting work on a new Chromebook device. The following are the responsibilities Google has listed for the person who will be selected for the job:
- Coordinate line design layout, process engineering efficiently, product quality planning and outgoing quality control and audits processes at CM sites. Have a strong wireless Consumer Electronics industrial background to understand technical quality details of complex issues and risks.
- Set the proper quality priorities and put risk mitigation plans in place. Drive Design of Experiments and collect SPC data to enable evaluation, qualification, and verification cost-effectively in manufacturing quality across functional teams; implement production quality metric integration, deep-dive both design/process controls and audits at offshore CM.
- Lead cross-functional problem solving teams using practical approaches (e.g., Quality Metrics, Design of Experiments or Statistical Process Control/ Six Sigma). Work proactively with other cross-functional groups such as Engineering, Operations, Reliability, Hardware/Software QA teams and offshore CM(s) partners closely.
- Sign-off FAI, develop production and sustaining quality requirements and resolve materials IQC issues.
- Manage production fluctuations through statistical process controls.
Expected availability and features of the device
The company seems enthusiastic about the whole ordeal of a new Chromebook. We can expect a high end device with a touchscreen and other distinctive features just like its predecessor. Chomebooks can now run Android apps too, so it will be interesting to see a new piece of hardware soon. Some users have already started spotting the Play Store on their Chrome OS offerings, and are taking advantage of the multitude of Android apps.
Regardless, we still cannot expect the device to be released anytime soon.
