Google Chrome OS - An OS for the Internet Age

For a number of years pundits have been discussing whether Google would release an operating system. On the 7th July 2009, Google announced the existence of the Google OS.

Google Chrome OS is an open source, lightweight operating system that will initially be targeted at netbooks.

From the Google Blog announcement we can glean the following details:

• Linux kernel
• Runs on x86 and ARM
• Uses the Google Web Apps in the Google Chrome browser
  
• New Web Apps are in the pipeline to take advantage of the platform
• Will work best with a persistent internet connection
  

The OS will initially be released on netbooks and Google has been in discussion with a number of vendors including Acer, Asus, HP and Toshiba to release netbooks with the new OS in 2010.

The Google OS will also be open-sourced later this year to allow the community to benefit from the work Google has done.