Google spotted working on a dual-screen Chromebook, may look like Asus ZenBook Duo

Google seems to be trying out something new with its Chromebooks. The latest report indicates that there could be a dual-touchscreen Chromebook in the making. The device is codenamed as ‘Palkia’ and is said to feature not just two displays but a trackpad as well. Reference to this model is also seen in Chromium code change where the developer describes the chip location that controls the screens in a device. “There are two touch screen controllers on the Palkia device. One is on the lid; another is on the base,” states the developer.

Although we’re not sure how the dual screen Chromebook device looks like, one of the theories is that it could have an inner touch screen and one at the outside so one can use it while the device is opened or closed. However, as found by 9to5Google, the code states that ‘Palkia’ has a tablet mode along with other hardware sensors, indicating that it could be a clamshell device and not a convertible.

Also read: Chrome OS to run Steam starting with 10th Gen Intel Chromebooks

The new website however, speculates that the product may sport a similar look to that of the Asus’ ZenBook Duo, which also has two screens. The second screen in the Chromebook model could be smaller. But all these are assumptions after all. It is also not for sure if this product will see the light of the day since Google is claiming it as a concept device for now. 

In one of the comments on the code change, the chromium developer has mentioned that they “don’t need to pay much resource for a POC project”. The term ‘POC’ here means ‘Proof of Concept’. Other comments  have also mentioned that “Palkia is not an OEM device,” meaning that none of the Chromebook-making brands like Asus, Acer, Lenovo or more are working on this product.

It might just be the case that Google is simply experimenting with a product with more than one screen for future considering that Asus already has laptops with dual displays and now Microsoft is going big with its dual screen devices (Windows 10X).