Google’s highly anticipated browser-based Chrome operating system (OS) might be unveiled during this month.

 

According to DigiTimes Systems, global brand vendors are expected to launch new netbooks featuring the forthcoming Chrome OS later this month. The Taiwanese daily also claims that Google itself plans to launch its own-brand Chrome notebook and will follow a similar strategy as it did with its Nexus One smartphone, according to sources from component players. This strategy will see the search giant not selling its Google-branded netbook via retail channels, but by way of an online store.

 

DigiTimes reports that the Google netbook is expected to be manufactured by Inventec and sport an ARM-based CPU powering the device. Initial shipments are expected to reach 60 000 - 70 000 units.

 

Google will be first out of the blocks by announcing its Chrome notebook later this month, with Acer and HP Chrome OS products becoming available during December.

 

We are rather sceptical about Google following the same sales strategy that saw the Nexus One failing to make a big impact on the mobile phone scene for the company. Google eventually ceased to sell the smartphone directly and closed down its online Nexus One web store.