Google Rolls Out the Chrome Web Store, Needs Help Testing Chrome OS Notebooks
The other day we were reporting that Mountain View-based search engine giant Google rolled out Google eBooks, giving computer users from all over the world seamless access to tons of ebooks and giving US computer users the chance to purchase eBooks from the Google eBookstore. Today we have to report on Google rolling out another online store – the Chrome Web Store.
Just like the Google EBookstore, the Chrome Web Store, at least for now, is available only in the US. Google explained that it will expand access to other countries and currencies “early next year”. So if you are in the good old US of A, try out the Chrome Web Store and see if you find any apps that you like. Google said developers already started uploading app to the store, so give it a try.
Back in July 2009 we were reporting that Google is working on Chrome OS, a lightweight, Linux-based operating system meant to be used by “people who live on the web”. Then in November 2009 we were reporting that the Chrome OS was open-sourced as Chromium OS. Today we have to report that Google needs your help testing Chrome OS and would like to gather feedback from users.
“Chrome OS is at the stage where we need feedback from real users. Some of the features of Chrome OS require new hardware, but we didn’t want to sell pre-beta computers. Instead we’re launching a pilot program where we will give test notebooks to qualified users, developers, schools and businesses. We're starting with the U.S. and will expand to other countries once we get the necessary certifications,” explained Sundar Pichai, VP Product Management and Linus Upson, VP Engineering.
The test notebooks mentioned above by Pichai and Upson have 2.1 inch screens, full-sized keyboards and touch pads, integrated 3G from Verizon, and batteries that will last for about 8 hours. The notebooks are black, have no branding, no logos, and no stickers. As Pichai and Upson explained, they “exist only to test the software.”
If you would like to take part in the pilot program Pichai and Upson mentioned above, you need to visit the Chrome notebook website. But if you’re patient, in the first half of 2011 Chrome OS-powered notebooks will become available for purchase initially from Acer and Samsung, then from more manufacturers.
Just like the Google EBookstore, the Chrome Web Store, at least for now, is available only in the US. Google explained that it will expand access to other countries and currencies “early next year”. So if you are in the good old US of A, try out the Chrome Web Store and see if you find any apps that you like. Google said developers already started uploading app to the store, so give it a try.
Back in July 2009 we were reporting that Google is working on Chrome OS, a lightweight, Linux-based operating system meant to be used by “people who live on the web”. Then in November 2009 we were reporting that the Chrome OS was open-sourced as Chromium OS. Today we have to report that Google needs your help testing Chrome OS and would like to gather feedback from users.
“Chrome OS is at the stage where we need feedback from real users. Some of the features of Chrome OS require new hardware, but we didn’t want to sell pre-beta computers. Instead we’re launching a pilot program where we will give test notebooks to qualified users, developers, schools and businesses. We're starting with the U.S. and will expand to other countries once we get the necessary certifications,” explained Sundar Pichai, VP Product Management and Linus Upson, VP Engineering.
The test notebooks mentioned above by Pichai and Upson have 2.1 inch screens, full-sized keyboards and touch pads, integrated 3G from Verizon, and batteries that will last for about 8 hours. The notebooks are black, have no branding, no logos, and no stickers. As Pichai and Upson explained, they “exist only to test the software.”
If you would like to take part in the pilot program Pichai and Upson mentioned above, you need to visit the Chrome notebook website. But if you’re patient, in the first half of 2011 Chrome OS-powered notebooks will become available for purchase initially from Acer and Samsung, then from more manufacturers.
