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ASUS Chromebit officially launched, $85 Chrome desktop on-a-stick available soon

Having previously announced the Chromebit in March, today, ASUS and Google are officially launching the HDMI stick-based Chrome OS computer. The little stick essentially turns any HDMI-equipped screen or monitor in to a basic Chrome OS desktop and costs just $85…

ASUS’ Chromebit will deliver virtually the same software experience as any Chromebook or Chrome OS desktop, except it’s less powerful. The device has a basic Rockchip processor, 16GB internal storage and 2GB RAM. What’s more, it supports wireless a/b/g/n/ac standards as well as Bluetooth 4.0 for connecting peripherals like a mouse and keyboard. That said, you can still connect a keyboard or mouse the old-fashioned way, using a USB connection and powered USB hub. It weighs just 75g and measures 123 x 31 x 17 mm.

THINGS TO TRY

  • Stream your favorite videos and movies from Google Play on any screen.
  • Showcase Google+ Photos on a large screen and share them with the whole family.
  • Explore the world by navigating the globe with Google Earth.
  • Play new games from the Chrome Web Store or some of the apps from Play.
  • Beautify your desktop with rotating Art Project pieces using the Google Cultural Institute Wallpaper Art app

The device ships with a power adapter and 1 foot HDMI cable in the retail packaging as well as hook and loop fixtures to attach the Chromebit to the back of a monitor.

In the US, the Chromebit is going to be available in black or orange on Amazon, Fry’s and Newegg. Although searching Amazon right now reveals the device isn’t available to buy just yet, it should land pretty soon. It will also be available in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan and the UK. What’s more, education and enterprise customers will be able to add Single App Kiosk Management for $24 per user each year.

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