A very niche option for users, Remix OS had lacked the backing of the mainstream manufacturers in order to push their platform to a truly global audience. That could soon change now, as leaked pictures indicate that a Remix OS-based HP EliteBook could be in the works.
The laptop with Remix OS features a 12.5-inch FHD screen with a Rockchip RK3399 hexa-core CPU (file photo)
An HP laptop was spotted running Remix OS at the Hong Kong Global Sources Fair, according to a Digital Trends report. The appearance of such a device comes as quite a surprise as it is not very common for HP to take the stray route and develop a computer that is completely different than Windows-based devices. The company has made Chromebooks in the past, but Remix OS is effectively a laptop version of Android, hence it could indicate that HP is moving to close the gap between Chromebooks and proper notebooks.
The laptop shown in the image has the EliteBook branding but does not have the HP badge on it, making it a bit of an unofficial prototype of a device. All we know about the device running this OS, is that it features a 12.5-inch FHD screen with a Rockchip RK3399 hexa-core CPU and Mali-T864 graphics along with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. From the looks of it, these are very similar to tablet-specs and considering that Chromebooks are rated a little higher than this, using Intel CPUs and more robust hardware, it is apparent that the Remix OS demographic are looking to use a functional, yet cost-effective Android laptop.
All we can assume for now is that HP probably wanted to have this under wraps as one particular agency wanted a statement from the company and they reportedly avoided any contact regarding the matter. It could well be possible that HP is planning to release the device in specific territories for a budget equivalent of a Chromebook and gain a new parallel series of notebooks based on the EliteBook series. Whether the Remix OS makers are aware of the matter has not yet been considered. But if we get to see Android laptops, then HP’s offering will be devoured by fans.
This is a big boost for Remix OS, that was once just an experimental desktop version of Android that was made available for free by the makers and now that HP is reportedly trying to keep the media away from its collaboration with the OS, it could mean that updates, software improvements as well as new features for the OS could be underway.
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