This secret Samsung laptop may merge ChromeOS with DeX

By Aaron Leong Published May 22, 2023

Samsung might be developing an Exynos-powered hybrid laptop essentially combining the DeX interface with ChromeOS.

Bringing back a codename from an unrealized concept in 2020 — the DeXBook — Samsung is once again rumored to be working on a Chromebook laptop with an integrated DeX interface. Exact details are sparse, except that the laptop is expected to utilize Exynos SoCs based on 5nm or 7nm nodes. Unlike DeX docks currently on sale, the hybrid DeXBook is looking for a more integrated approach.

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Samsung is considering about integrating Dex with Chrome OS, possibly through DexBook(codename). DexBook could feature 7/5nm Exynos chipsets and may be announced alongside a Galaxy Book with a dedicated Exynos chip for WOA (Windows on ARM). pic.twitter.com/XBP37dQOCJ

— Connor/코너/コナー (@OreXda) May 17, 2023

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As it is, DeX is Samsung’s proprietary software that allows users to connect their Galaxy smartphones to monitors or TVs, and more recently, also brings that interface to Windows and iOS machines via USB cable and an installed app. Having a DexBook might prevent the need for cables, app installs, and tethered devices.

How the DeX-ChromeOS implementation will look is something we’re curious about. Perhaps the Windows-DeX version is a good indicator, whereby a PC runs the DeX in a separate window, which in and of itself is OneUI in a Windows-like UI. It is therefore possible that the DeXBook will function the same way.

We also wonder if the DeXBook idea brings any value to the equation. With ChromeOS’s Phone Hub soon allowing the streaming of apps from your phone, and not to mention that both DeX/OneUI and ChromeOS both already run Android apps, it’s hard to see the need for what essentially works like a OneUI emulator for ChromeOS. DeX is fantastic when connected to an external display, but in this context, it might be a hard sell.

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Aaron enjoys all manner of tech - from mobile (phones/smartwear), audio (headphones/earbuds), computing (gaming/Chromebooks)…

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What is DeX?
Samsung calls DeX a multitasking tool, but this doesn't do it justice. When you connect your phone to a television or a monitor, DeX activates a desktop-like experience and lets you do almost everything you would on the phone on a big screen. This means you can run apps, watch videos, use Microsoft tools, play games, run presentations, edit photos, have video meetings, check email, and browse the web.

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