Cloud computing allows end users to save a lot of resources. As an on-demand service that provides the availability of computer system resources, the cloud simply allows users to use internet-based software using whatever device they have.
Using a "pay-as-you-go" model, this allows users to reduce initial and operating expenses.
Google is amongst the leaders of cloud providers, and this time, it's introducing its "first laptops built for cloud gaming."
The computers are specialized breed of Chromebook laptops that put gaming at the forefront.
Initially, Google introduces three new Chromebook models with features like RGB keyboards with anti-ghosting, high-resolution screen with high refresh rate that can go up to 144 Hz, and a 6Ghz-band 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 or 6E radios.
The laptops that have more premium specifications than the more-budget friendly Chromebooks, include Acer Chromebook 516 GE, Asus Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip (CX5501) 2-in-1, and Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook.
While the three laptops can use processors that go up to Intel i7, Google said it tested its cloud game streaming system with i5 and i3 chips and still experience "phenomenal" results.
The three laptops pack a punch, but it's important to note that other Chromebooks, if they they meet the streaming platform's requirements, could also use these cloud gaming services.
However, Google may limit the resolution and the framerates.
This is because Google purportedly optimized only the three machines for streaming games from the cloud.
Among the ways, Google optimized the three Chromebooks to run three partner streaming platforms (via downloadable web apps): Nvidia GeForce Now, which is launching a Chromebook streaming mode that supports 1600p at 120 fps, Microsoft's Xbox Cloud Gaming beta, and Amazon Luna.
According to GameBench, the three laptops were benchmarked to be capable of running games at 120 frames per second at 1080p resolution.
With latency of under 85 ms, Google noted that’s "console-class" input latency.
But latency here is heavily dependent to the speed of users' internet connection.
While each of the three laptops claims latency of "under 85ms," but that figure is at 1080p resolution when playing games like Fortnite or Destiny 2 on GeForce Now.
During Google's press briefing, an Nvidia spokesperson said Nvidia tested "about 60ms of total latency on the new Chromebooks last week on Destiny 2, Apex Legends, and Fortnite on a system with about an 8 ms ping time to the closest GeForce Now data center."
Nvidia's spokesperson said that GeForce Now requires around 35Mbps to run 1600p at 120 fps. GeForce Now's bandwidth requirements page also recommends less than 40 ms latency from an Nvidia data center.
As for Luna, Amazon said that it requires 10GB per hour for streaming at 1080p, whereas Xbox Cloud Gaming beta requires a minimum of 10Mbps, Microsoft said.
The three laptops are also the first Chromebooks to have a dedicated game launcher search, which can be activated through the Chromebook Everything button.
Google said that it indexed the game catalogs of streaming services, allowing users to type the name of the game they want to play into the ChromeOS search bar and see a list of game launchers where they can play those games.
Google announced the three cloud gaming laptops two weeks after announcing its plan to kill Google Stadia after just three years.
The company said that users of Stadia can still have access to their games, and can still play them until January 18, 2023.
Those who have invested money into Stadia will be fully reimbursed.
"We will be refunding all Stadia hardware purchases made through the Google Store, and all game and add-on content purchases made through the Stadia store," Stadia vice president and general manager Phil Harrison wrote in a blog post.
"We expect to have the majority of refunds completed by mid-January, 2023. We have more details for players on this process on our Help Center."
Soon after announcing this, Google has closed the Stadia Store so users can no longer make new purchases. In-game transactions have also been disabled.
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