Last year, Google announced their effort towards designing an operating system that is built and optimized for the web. Yesterday, in a limited presence of the press, they announced that Chrome OS is not available for consumers yet., but Chrome OS is at the stage where they need feedback from real users.
Some of the features of Chrome OS require new hardware. Instead of selling pre-beta computers, they’re launching a pilot program where they will give test notebooks to qualified users, developers, schools and businesses. The Pilot program is starting with the U.S. and will expand to other countries. To participate in the pilot program, apply here.
The test notebooks exist only to test the software—they are black, have no branding, no logos, no stickers, nothing. They do have 12.1 inch screens, full-sized keyboards and touch pads, integrated 3G from Verizon, eight hours of battery life and eight days of standby time. Chrome notebooks are designed to reach the web instantly, are easy to share among friends and family, and simply by logging in, all of your apps, bookmarks and other browser settings are there. Setting up a new machine takes less than a minute.
Google claims that, even at this early stage, there is no consumer or business operating system that is more secure.
In the first half of next year Chrome notebooks will be available for sale from Acer and Samsung. More manufacturers will follow. Also, Chrome OS is designed to work across a wide range of screen sizes and form factors, enabling their partners to deliver computing devices beyond notebooks.
Some of the key features of the Chrome OS –
Instant web – Chrome notebooks boot in about 10 seconds and resume from sleep instantly. Favorite websites load quickly and run smoothly, with full support for the latest web standards and Adobe Flash.
Same experience Everywhere – All apps, documents, and settings are stored safely in the cloud. So even if you lose your computer, you can just log into another Chrome notebook and get right back to work.
Always connected – Integrated Wi-Fi for home and work, and 3G for all the places in between.
Built-in Security –Chrome notebooks use advanced technology to help prevent malware and viruses from accessing your data. And you never have to lift a finger.
Web Apps – Every Chrome notebook runs millions of web apps, from games to spreadsheets to photo editors. Try the latest apps from the Chrome Web Store or just type URLs into the address bar – no CDs required.
Courtesy: Google Chrome Pilot Program
Clicking on Install will download the extension and add it to your browser. (You will be able to see the extension, next to the address bar – As this is a Gmail notifier, you will need to login initially to get a track of your mails)
