Google is building its Chrome operating system into notebook
computers expected to hit the market next year. For now, Google
has released a pilot program, where it gives test 12.1" notebooks
to qualified users.
After more than a year building an operating system around its
Chrome Web browser, Google announced Tuesday that the first
laptops powered by the new software won't hit the stores until
the middle of next year. The revised timetable is about six
months behind Google's goal of having the Chrome OS completed in
time for it to debut during the current holiday season.
Last year, Google announced our effort to design an operating
system that is built and optimized for the web. Many people
already spend all their time in the Chrome web browser, and by
building an operating system that is essentially a browser,
Google promises to make computers faster, much simpler and more
secure.
Chrome OS is at the stage where Google needs feedback from real
users. Some of the features of Chrome OS require new hardware,
but Google didn?t want to sell pre-beta computers. Instead the
company is launching a pilot program where we will give test
notebooks to qualified users, developers, schools and businesses.
Google is starting with the U.S. and will expand to other
countries once we get the necessary certifications. To
participate in the pilot program, visit the
Chrome
notebook website.
The test notebooks exist only to test the software - they are
black, have no branding, no logos, no stickers, nothing. They do
have 12.1 inch screens, full-sized keyboards and touch pads,
integrated 3G from Verizon, eight hours of battery life and eight
days of standby time. Chrome notebooks are designed to reach the
web instantly, are easy to share among friends and family, and
simply by logging in, all of users' apps, bookmarks and other
browser settings are there. Setting up a new machine takes less
than a minute. And even at this early stage, Google feels there
is no consumer or business operating system that is more secure.
Chrome notebooks boot in about 10 seconds and resume from sleep
instantly. Websites load quickly and run smoothly, with full
support for the latest web standards and Adobe Flash.
All the apps, documents, and settings are stored safely in the
cloud. So even if computer is lost, users can just log into
another Chrome notebook and get right back to work.
Integrated Wi-Fi for home and work, and 3G for all the places in
between. 100MB of free 3G data every month on the Verizon
Wireless network.
Chrome notebooks also use advanced technology to help prevent
malware and viruses from accessing your data.
Every time a CHrome computer is turned on, it upgrades itself
with the latest features and fixes.
Every Chrome notebook runs millions of web apps, from games to
spreadsheets to photo editors. The apps are available from the
Chrome Web Store and are accessed through the browser - no CDs
required.
In the first half of next year Chrome notebooks will be available
for sale from Acer and Samsung. More manufacturers will follow.
Also, Chrome OS is designed to work across a wide range of screen
sizes and form factors, enabling Google's partners to deliver
computing devices beyond notebooks.
Chrome browser
Google also says that this year, the number of people using
Chrome browser has tripled from 40 to 120 million. Google is
bringing Google Instant to the Omnibox, showing search results
and loading web pages as you type. Google has also overhauled V8,
Chrome?s JavaScript engine. It now runs complex JavaScript
programs up to twice as fast as before.
Google has also opened the Chrome Web Store for developers.
Developers have already started uploading apps. Right now the
store is only available in the U.S., but Google plans to expand
to many countries and currencies early next year. The store will
be featured prominently in Chrome, helping people discover apps
and developers reach millions of users around the world.