Lenovo is reportedly developing two new AI-powered Chromebook tablets, codenamed Ciri, according to Chrome Unboxed. The site uncovered this information through two public repositories, cros.tech and Chromium Dash, which pull data directly from Google servers. An official announcement for these devices may be just around the corner.
One of these tablets is expected to be called the Lenovo Chromebook Duet, acting as a successor to the IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook. Like its predecessor, this new version will feature a detachable 11-inch screen that can be separated from its keyboard, making it versatile for different uses.
The tablet will be powered by the MediaTek Kompanio 838 SoC (system on a chip), known as the MT8188G in Chromium Dash. This chipset is particularly noteworthy because it’s an ARM-based processor with a built-in AI processor, the NPU 650. Neural Processing Units (NPUs) like this one significantly enhance overall hardware performance, particularly in AI-driven tasks.
With this AI power, the tablet is expected to offer top-notch multimedia experiences and enable more interactive and intelligent applications. MediaTek claims that the Kompanio 838 can support video output to two 4K displays simultaneously and provides “premium imaging” capabilities, ensuring vibrant colors on the screen. The chipset is also designed to extend battery life, which is a major plus for portable devices like this.
The second tablet in the works is aimed at the education market and is expected to have similar hardware, although it might be designed to be more durable to handle drops and rough use in school environments.
However, there might be some drawbacks. Chrome Unboxed noted that Lenovo’s new Chromebook won’t be part of the Chromebook Plus series, a line known for its superior performance compared to standard Chromebooks. While the MediaTek chipset might still offer impressive performance, the lack of Chromebook Plus status means users might miss out on exclusive features like Magic Editor, Generative Backgrounds, and Adobe Photoshop support.
That said, everything about these devices is still in development, and there could be changes before the official release. Keep an eye out for more updates as the launch date approaches.
