YES, has officially launched the world’s first Samsung 4G Chromebook – a lightweight, cloud-based notebook, powered by Google’s ChromeOS. The 4G Chromebook, developed by Google and Samsung, is a first step in embracing the new era of cloud computing.
YTL Communications Chief Executive Officer Wing K. Lee said at the launch, ““Yes is about driving positive change at a national level by delivering to Malaysia one of the most sophisticated 4G networks in the world. Based on this guiding principle, we have been working tirelessly to build the largest 4G network in Malaysia.”
The Samsung 4G Chromebook is a new type of computing device, one that is fast and simple. ChromeOS, the operating system that powers the Chromebook offers the simplicity and familiarity of your favourite browser – Google Chrome.
The Chromebook boots up in about 8 seconds and comes with popular Google apps like YouTube, Gmail, Google Docs, and Google Drive. The Chromebook comes with 100GB of Google Drive storage that is free for two years. Users also get seamless updates and built-in virus protection.
The Samsung 4G Chromebook is one of the lightest notebooks on the market, weighing just 1.1kgs and is a mere 17.5mm thin. The 7-hour battery life should be more than sufficient for everyday use. The notebook also features dual USB 2.0 ports, HDMI output, microSD slot, Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity. In the heart of the Chromebook is Samsung’s very own dual-core Exynos processor, not any different from ones that power Samsung line of tablets.
The highlight of the Samsung 4G Chromebook of course, is the built-in 4G connectivity, powered by YES giving it seamless and always-on internet. It works out of the box with your unique Yes ID, giving you high-speed mobile internet connectivity of up to 20Mbps.
The rapidly growing YES network now covers 85% of the nation’s most populous in Peninsula, with over 4,000 base stations. In an impressive journey that has taken only 2 1/2 years. YES is set to launch services in East Malaysia in the second half of 2013.
The YES 1BestariNet project was specially mentioned by Google at the recent Google I/O 2013 developer conference in Moscone, for the adoption of Google Apps and the deployment of Samsung 4G Chromebooks to schools across the country. Over 10 million teachers, parents and children will potentially benefit from the 4G cloud platform.
With 1BestariNet, students have access to the award-winning Frog VLE cloud learning and teaching program. Frog VLE is integrated with FrogStore, an online marketplace for online learning content from local and global partners/publishers like Khan Academy, TED-ED and more. 1BestariNet has so far deployed to 70% of the 10,000 schools in Malaysia, an effort that has taken 16 months.
During an exclusive media session on the day of the launch, Sundar Pichai, Senior Vice President for Android, Chrome and Google Apps at Google quipped, “We are particularly excited at the pace at which 4G connectivity is being rolled out throughout the country.” He further added, “What’s happening in Malaysia can be a role model for many other countries around the world.”
Malaysia is the first emerging economy in the world to offer the Chromebook to consumers.
His compatriot, Caesar Sengupta, Product Management Director at Google said, “Over the past few months, Chromebooks have become a part of everyday life for many people – a computer for the kitchen, for when on-the-go, or for sharing with the family.” He continued, “Many of you around the world have told us you’re eager to get your hands on a Chromebook, so we’ve been working with our partners to make this possible. Today we’re happy to say we’re one step closer to making Chromebooks truly ‘for everyone’ – or rather, ‘untuk semua orang’.”
With the Samsung 4G Chromebook, YES aspires to bridge the digital divide and bring technology and the internet to all Malaysians. YES has said that there will be more SKUs in the fourth quarter of this year, in time for the coming holidays.
The Samsung 4G Chromebook retails at RM988 with a 24-month RM88 postpaid plan which comes with a monthly data quota of 3.5 GB. The device alone retails at RM1,299. It is now available at Yes Stores nationwide and its online store, (shop.yes.my). The device is also available to 1BestariNet Yes ID holders through the FrogStore at (frogstore.my) and at Bestari roadshows nationwide for RM988 with a 24-month RM69 plan which comes with a monthly data quota of 3.5GB.
