Chrome OS Zero brings new features

Hexxeh, of hexxeh.net, has released yet another customized version of Chrome OS. Chrome OS Zero is once again bootable from a a USB drive, but has additional goodies added on by hexxeh. Here is his description of the new release:

• Newer version of ChromiumOS code
• Major speed improvements for many users
• Reduced Broadcom delay
• New artwork for the boot process
• Full extension support
• Reduced download size, clocks in at under 250MB
• Still fits on a 1GB USB drive despite the new features
• Beginnings of multi-language input (requires a little terminal work to add your language as there is no UI yet)
• Quite a lot more!

You can download the new image here: Chrome OS Zero, and can follow my directions to install it here: Install Chrome OS Zero on a USB drive.

Now don't be shy, let us know how your Chrome OS Zero experience goes in the comments below!

Chrome OS to be supported by Qualcomm

Qualcomm announced at this year's CES that the chip manufacturer has added Google's Chrome OS to its supported platforms list. The company's CEO made the announcement yesterday, which is more great news for future Chrome OS machines.

Qualcomm is the maker of ARM processors, namely their Snapdragon. Google has previously revealed that their operating system will run on ARM CPUs, which are famous for extending the battery life of mobile devices.

Qualcomm also announced the production of a dual-core, 1.5 GHz Snapdragon, which will bring even more power to the architecture.

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!