First evidence of Google’s upcoming PixelBook may have showed up

While Google solely focussed on Pixel smartphones in the hardware section during the Made by Google event, it might just be having a surprise for customers in the form of a PixelBook. As found by Chrome Unboxed website, a new Chromebook has shown up with a codename Halvor, which might just be the next PixelBook. The website states that it has found a recent code change that gives ‘Halvor’ a support for an Assistant key.

This is said to be the biggest tipping point that Halvor could be the PixelBook because until now there have only been a few Chromebooks and keyboards that include a dedicated Google Assistant key. And all those Chromebooks are made by Google. We’re talking about Google Pixelbook, Google Pixel Slate Keyboard, Google Pixelbook Go, Brydge G-Type for Pixel Slate, Brydge C-Type and Logitech K580 Keyboard Chrome OS Edition.

Also read: Google Pixel 5 key specifications revealed ahead of the official launch

Another code change indicates that Halvor’s keyboard may use the exact same top-row layout as the Pixelbook Go - second tipping point. The layout is said to be the same as that of the original Pixelbook and Pixel Slate. However, there might also be a Play/Pause key placed in between the brightness and volume keys.

But this is still not confirmed news and it might just be the case that this could be a third party keyboard that is trying to be more consistent with Google's Chromebook design. There’s also no confirmation that the Assistant Key should only be in Made by Google Chromebooks and accessories or in Made for Google certified products.

Also worth adding here is that while the previous Google Chromebooks have been made by Quanta Computer Inc, the Halvor is said to come from Compal. Compal is the same firm that has previously helped Dell and Lenovo in making Chromebooks for them.