Originally posted on May 14, 2010 @ 10:22 am
So we’ve been hearing about Google’s Chrome operating system for a while now, but we haven’t really heard of one computer manufacturer releasing a netbook running the much-awaited OS, have we?
It could change in two weeks, according to Venture Beat. If the rumors are to be believed, Taiwanese computer manufacturer Acer might be releasing a Google Chrome OS device at the Computex Taipei show, which will be held from June 1 to 5.
Google will probably settle on Android for tablets eventually — it’s already built for multitouch support, and its analogous to Apple bringing the iPhone OS to the iPad. Android’s small footprint also makes it easy to use in integrated devices, like Google’s upcoming “Dragonpoint” TV project with Sony and Intel. Chrome OS, which is clearly better suited for devices with keyboards and trackpads, will find itself on more netbooks and smartbooks. Last year, Google CEO Eric Schmidt mentioned that the two projects will merge over time (see Google’s graphic below), so eventually the differences might not matter.
Google initially planned to release Chrome OS sometime in the second half of this year. Acer’s Chrome OS device launch in early June fits into that schedule, although we’re not sure when those devices will be available for purchase.
Google Chrome OS is designed for netbooks, but you know that Google’s thinking of installing the OS on tablets as well. Which is why it’s unclear what device Acer will be releasing. Either way, if the rumors prove to be true, this will be the first Chrome OS device to hit the market. I wouldn’t mind if we got it in netbook or in tablet form.