Synaptics Expands into Fast-Growing Chromebook Market with New Best-in-Class TouchPads

Rhea-AI Summary

Synaptics (SYNA) announced its entry into the Chromebook market with the launch of the S9861 TouchPad modules, now approved by Google. This venture targets the booming demand for Chromebooks, with shipments soaring 287% in Q4 2020, totaling nearly 31 million units for the year. Key growth drivers include remote education and work-from-home trends. The new TouchPad aims to enhance productivity and security in next-gen Chromebooks, positioning Synaptics to capitalize on rising consumer interest.

Positive

• S9861 TouchPad modules launched for Chromebooks, enhancing Synaptics' product offerings.
• Google's approval of S9861 places Synaptics on the approved vendor list, boosting credibility.
• Chromebook market shows significant growth, with 287% increase in Q4 2020 shipments.

Negative

• None.

SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Synaptics^® Incorporated (Nasdaq: SYNA), today announced its expansion into the fast-growing Chromebook market with the launch of its S9861 TouchPad^™ modules. Google has fully qualified the S9861 and placed it on its approved vendor list (AVL). Synaptics is now providing new best-in-class options for OEMs looking to design differentiated next-generation Chromebooks, and for users who want the highest quality, productivity and experience.

According to Canalys Research, Chromebook shipments reached 11.2 million units in Q4 2020, a 287 percent increase over Q4 2019. Chromebook 2020 full-year shipments reached nearly 31 million units. “Outside of education, there has also been mounting interest from consumers and traditional commercial customers in seeking out Chromebooks to ensure affordable continuity of business or personal computing,” said Canalys Research Director, Rushabh Doshi.

Synaptics’ significant investment in best-in-class solutions and innovation in the laptop market is driven by three trends. These include 1) learn-from-home and work-from-home solutions, 2) effortless security, including user authentication and data security, and 3) streamlined industrial designs to maximize use of surface area and end-user productivity. Synaptics’ is now bringing best-in-class solutions to the Chromebook market and its rapidly growing user base.

“Remote education and work from home has significantly increased demand from one PC per household to one PC per person,” said Saleel Awsare, SVP and GM, PC & Peripherals Division at Synaptics. “While this has driven record growth in our traditional laptop business, it has also driven a tremendous expansion opportunity in the Chromebook market. With Google adding our latest best-in-class TouchPad to their AVL, our customers now have a new high-performance option that will raise the bar for next-generation Chromebooks.”

About Synaptics Incorporated:
Synaptics (Nasdaq: SYNA) is changing the way humans engage with connected devices and data, engineering exceptional experiences throughout the home, at work, in the car and on the go. Synaptics is the partner of choice for the world’s most innovative intelligent system providers who are integrating multiple experiential technologies into platforms that make our digital lives more productive, insightful, secure and enjoyable. These customers are combining Synaptics’ differentiated technologies in touch, display and biometrics with a new generation of advanced connectivity and AI-enhanced video, vision, audio, speech and security processing. Follow Synaptics on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook, or visit synaptics.com.

TouchPad, Synaptics, and the Synaptics logo are trademarks of Synaptics in the United States and/or other countries. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

Media Contact:
Synaptics
David Hurd
+1-408-904-2766
david.hurd@synaptics.com 

FAQ

What is the significance of Synaptics' S9861 TouchPad for Chromebooks?

The S9861 TouchPad enhances user experience and productivity in next-generation Chromebooks, which have seen significant market growth.

How much did Chromebook shipments increase in Q4 2020?

Chromebook shipments increased by 287% in Q4 2020 compared to Q4 2019.

What are the key drivers of growth for Synaptics in the Chromebook market?

Key growth drivers include remote education, work-from-home solutions, and rising consumer interest in Chromebooks.

What does Google's approval of the S9861 TouchPad mean for Synaptics?

Google's approval means Synaptics is recognized as a reliable vendor for high-performance Chromebook components.

How many Chromebooks were shipped in 2020?

Nearly 31 million Chromebooks were shipped in the year 2020.