The Real Motives Behind Google's Chromebook Pixel

"Why would anyone want a $1,300 web browser? I just don't get it."

People said the same thing when the iPod, iPhone, and iPad all were introduced. No one had even considered these products before, yet each of those products inspired a new generation of products and a new way of thinking about music, phones, and productivity.

+Marques Brownlee did a great job at explaining the real motives Google might have in releasing the Chromebook Pixel:

1. To attract the attention of the App development community
2. To challenge hardware manufacturers to think about Chromebooks beyond "base model" contruction

Those who use Chromebooks understand it is much more than "just a web browser."

In addition to Google's step toward the future, Microsoft's Office 365 product moves traditional business software to the Cloud and signals that mainstream businesses are looking for that type of solution. 

Does that mean everyone will want, need, or can use a Chromebook Pixel? No. Of course not. At least not yet.

There will always be a need for specialized tools. But if the direction we are headed with technology is a true "multiscreen experience," then traditional computers and laptops are going to have to evolve to match the functionality of the smartphone and tablet. To do that, everything must be web-based. The Chromebook Pixel is a step in that direction.

As explained in the video, the goal of the Chromebook Pixel is to "inspire the next generation of Chromebooks." Google knows the Pixel is unlikely to sell as well as the Samsung ARM Chromebook has on Amazon for $249. But sales aren't the point. Google wants to accomplish so much more. 

What do you think? Is the Chromebook Pixel about Google selling a high-end Chromebook, or is there some other strategy and motives in the mix?