It was first reported a couple of months back that Samsung is working on a new Chromebook bearing the codename “Nautilus.” Subsequent reports revealed that it's going to be a 2-in-1 Chromebook with a detachable keyboard.
The upcoming Chromebook is also going to have a stowable stylus. This will enable users to get the most out of the 2-in-1 form factor. According to a new report, it may also be the first Chromebook ever to feature a 13-megapixel camera.
Samsung's new Chromebook
New code references have been discovered in the Chromium Gerrit which confirm that the device codenamed “Nautilus” is indeed a detachable Chromebook by Samsung. It's going to be powered by a 7th-generation Intel processor.
The code references also reveal the presence of the Sony IMX258 sensor. This suggests that the Chromebook is going to have a camera module with this sensor. The IMX258 is a 13-megapixel Exmor RS 1/3.06-inch sensor with 1.1-micron pixels. It has been used in flagship smartphones like the LG G6.
Samsung's new Chromebook will thus be the first to feature a 13-megapixel camera. It's a big step up for Chromebooks as no other manufacturer has put a camera with a resolution higher than 720p in their devices.
Just because it's going to have a high-end camera sensor doesn't mean the new Chromebook will be great at taking pictures. Software optimization plays a key role and it's unclear right now what improvements are being made on that front.
Samsung unveiled two new Chromebooks at the Consumer Electronics Show 2017 in January last year, the Chromebook Plus and Chromebook Pro. It's possible that the company might unveil this Chromebook at CES 2018 next week even if it's not released for a few months.
