Report: Netbooks Running Google Chrome OS Ready For Release

OS according to a report from Digitimes

The report quotes "sources from component players" claiming that the ARM processor, an energy-efficient alternative to more ubiquitous CPUs such as Intel's Atom, will be featured inside the Chrome notebooks. A number of vendors including HP and Acer will follow Inventec's lead with devices running Chrome, according to the report.

Chrome OS is Google's bid to offer a simplified, Linux-based alternative to existing operating systems that revolves around cloud applications and the Chrome browser. Google has previously indicated the first Chrome OS netbooks will arrive in time for the holiday season.

In June, Google unveiled its plans for Chrome OS at the Computex trade show in Taiwan. The company said it would work to develop products running Chrome alongside OEMs including Acer, HP, Lenovo and Asus.

The Digitimes report says Google plans to eventually bring its own-brand Chrome computers to market. These and other vendors' products are referred to in the report as "smartbooks," though its sources said the new wave of Chrome-based devices will improve upon the previous generation of "immature" smartbooks with features such as instant-on and more battery life.

Google also announced plans at Computex to launch Chrome Web Store, a marketplace for Chrome OS applications.

In May, Google closed the online store it had set up to sell its Nexus One smartphone, which debuted in January, and decided to sell it through retailers instead. But according to Digtimes,, Google plans to launch its own Chrome-based PC "with a similar strategy as its Nexus One smartphone."