HTC and Google to make Chrome OS tablet

Rumors are coming in that HTC and Google are collaborating to make a tablet PC. HTC is the mobile device manufacturer behind such gadgets as the myTouch 3G, T-Mobile's G1 and the upcoming Nexus One. It is inferred that the tablet from the two companies will be running Google's Chrome OS and might be shown off at this year's Consumer Electronics Show.

[Via Examiner.com]

Google's Chrome OS-powered netbook specs leaked

As they announced their new operating system, Chrome OS, Google also told us that we would have to buy certain hardware to get it. They said that the machines would be similar to today's netbooks. However, that was about all we knew about Chrome OS clients. Until now.

News has now leaked about Google's Chrome OS netbook, and it sheds a bit of light on what the machine will be like. Here are the specifications of Google's Chrome OS machine:

• 10.1-inch high-definition display with multi-touch input 
• NVIDIA Tegra graphics card 
• 2 GB of RAM 
• 64 GB SSD 
• Wifi, Bluetooth and 3G radios 
• USB sockets 
• Ethernet jack 
• 3.5 mm audio output 
• webcam 
• 4 or 6 cell battery 
• optional GPS radio 

These are quite impressive features for a netbook, namely the 64 GB SSD. But the real kicker is the price, which is slated to be under $300 and maybe even around $200. That's very competitive compared to current netbooks. And it will probably need to be by the time it is released next year (2010). It is also believed that Google will sell the Chrome OS netbook through their own website.

So what do you think? Is this a deal that would entice users to leave Windows XP behind? Or is Chrome OS not all it's cracked? Let us know in the comments!

Google looking to make their own Chrome OS netbook

If you follow the Internet-bred rumours, then you might be looking forward to a supposed Google-released Chrome OS netbook. This differs from previous assumptions that Chrome OS netbooks will be produced and badged by computer manufacturing companies. For example, we were expecting netbooks made by the likes of MSI and Dell, or even the first announced Acer Chrome OS netbook. We didn't expect Google to contract out their own machine build and make a "Google Netbook". However, that is exactly what some recent whisperings are pointing to.

I see this as the perfect long-run marketing move by the search engine company. If Google wants something that people will be flocking to buy, they need to make it perfect. And what better way to make the perfect netbook than tightly controlling how it is built? If Google makes their own Chrome OS netbook, they will be able to dictate exactly how it is made and how it runs. They won't have to rely on HP or ASUS to make a netbook that runs Chrome OS like a champ.

This is a page straight from the book of Apple. The Cupertino-based company has never let another computer manufacturer make a Mac computer. There has never been an officially backed machine running Mac OS that wasn't completely planned out by Apple. And look where they are now: Leading desktop computer sales in October of 2009. And I dare you to find me a Mac doesn't run Mac OS perfectly. This is the future of a Google netbook running a Google operating system.

So what do you think? Is a Google-produced Chrome OS netbook a good idea? Or will the Google end up crawling back to what it does best, powering your searches and serving ads? Let us know in the comments?

Opera wants to put their browser in Chrome OS

It's obvious that Chrome OS will be (and already somewhat is) revolutionary to the world of computers. The operating system from Google will change the industry drastically if it gains popularity, and it looks like it will. However, there are still a few missing pieces of the puzzle for some users.

For example, what if I want to run an application that isn't a web application? What if I don't really want to use the Chrome web browser? Chrome is quick and efficient, but some people are accustomed to another browser and don't want to change. Well, Opera's chief standards officer, Charles McCathieNevile, says that won't be a problem, especially if you want to user the Opera browser instead of Chrome.

Opera says that they will be able to stick their browser in Chrome OS as an addon to Chrome. Then users will be able to use their familiar Opera browser functions and still enjoy a solid, fast Chrome OS. Opera seems to be doing exactly what software companies should do when the face of their industry changes. And that is develop new ways to remain part of the computing equation. Instead of shouting that Chrome OS will be a failure, why not stick your product or service in it and continue on with life?

So what do you think? Let us know in the comments!

Chrome OS Updated (Cherry Version)

Our faithful beast of a hacker, hexxeh, has come through again. And this time, it's you Broadcom wireless users that are in for joy.

Hexxeh announced his new Chromium OS build today, stating that "ChromeOS Cherry released with new Broadcom/Ralink support and many bugfixes! Broadcom WiFi works, but you need to wait about 5 minutes after booting to connect to a network." The new build is deemed "Cherry", apparently following the soda references that the last build (Chrome OS Diet) started.

Pretty cool. Maybe Google should hire this guy for PR? Or even for developing Chrome OS? Well, if you interested in installing "ChromeOS Cherry" you can download the USB image here: Chrome OS Cherry.
And we have some instructions for first time users here: Install Chrome OS to USB
Hexxeh, this better be all-natural cherry, not that artificial flavoring crap. Let us know how this build tastes to you down there in the comments!

First Chrome OS Netbook

The news that Acer will be the first manufacturer to release a Chrome OS netbook is making the rounds about the interwebs. The world's second largest computer manufacturer (HP is number one) has announced that it is backing Google's Chrome OS and plans to ship a netbook featuring the system.

They haven't announced what the hardware will consist of, but I have to agree with Kevin Tofel over at jkOnTheRun.com. He proposes that Acer should wrap that Chrome OS around an ARM-based machine, which is a great idea. Think about it: Chrome OS is web-based, so users will be doing a lot of web browsing, which I do anyways. With its top-notch web-browser, the iPhone and iPod Touch are great little browsing machines. And they're powered by ARM CPUs. Also, they feature impressive battery life while browsing.

So think of a small-form notebook with ~15-hour battery life and a bigger screen than the iPhone for doing all your in-browser action. Sounds like a winner to me. And if Acer doesn't step up, I know another manufacturer will, so it's only a matter of time.

As for Acer's machine, the Taiwan-based company says it will be available to consumers in the second half of 2010.

Install Chrome OS (64-bit version)

Oh how they are coming out of the woodwork now! Here is the latest Chrome OS build, created by our good friends over at Chromiumos64.org. As you might have gathered from their domain name, they have created a 64-bit version of Chrome OS for your enjoying.

However, the installation process seems a bit involved (it includes six 200 MB downloads). I would be happy to take the plunge, but the resident 64-bit machine (an AMD Turion 64 X2) is under lock and key. It isn't owned by me per say (another inhabitant of the Magna Techa group HQ owns it) and I'm not ready to go flipping tape decks on it just yet.

So get on it, you heiresses of the 32-bit era. Let us know what you find down there in the comments!
[Via Chromiumos64.org]