ASUS Chromebit Released For $85

Google and Asus have officially released the Chromebit, a an Android-based computing device with the size and shape of a memory stick thta can transform your TV or monitor into a Chromebook. Like the Intel Compute Stick, the Chromebit CS10 fits into the back of your TV set via an HDMI port. Instead of a Windows desktop on your TV, the Chromebit displays the Chrome OS interface.

The Chromebit CS10 has 2GB of LPDDR3L RAM, 16GB of eMMC storage, dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, and both USB and HDMI ports. It can be used with USB hubs and paired with compatible Bluetooth keyboards and mice. It costs just $85.

The small device can be used for basic tasks like email, web browsing and word processing, as well as 1080p video.

Setup is easy, requiring users to just log in to their Google account. This account-based approach keeps all user data separate and secure. The Chromebit CS10 also comes with 100GB of free Google Drive space, giving users access to their files in the cloud, as well as popular Google services.

The Chromebit is competing for marketplace attention. Asus itself is planning the launch of the VivoStick PC TS10, a similar, though slightly larger device.

The VivoStick will run Windows 10 Home, boast Intel HD graphics, 32GB of storage, and 100GB of free additional cloud space on the company's Web storage platform for the first year of use.

In June, Lenovo also rolled out its first compute stick, the Ideacentre Stick 300, which is priced at $129. It transforms almost any HDMI-compatible TV or monitor into a Windows-based PC.

The four-inch device boasts an Intel Atom Processor Z3735F, 2GB of memory, and 32GB of storage.

Specifications