Various global vendors are expected to launch smartbook devices based on the Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) Chrome OS soon, according to DigiTimes. Google's Chrome OS entails the building of a computer around the web browser, turning on its head the traditional concept of the operating system where the browser is just another application. With an early version demonstrated with a boot-up time of just seven seconds, I speculated earlier this year that the Chrome OS could be a game changer.

Of course, the Chrome OS was eventually delayed until the end of this year. The DigiTimes report now says that launch date is expected to be later this month, however. Citing sources from "component players," it says that Google also plans to launch its own Chrome notebooks in tandem, following a strategy reminiscent of its Nexus One smartphone. Google's own Chrome notebooks will apparently be based on an ARM platform and will not be sold via retail channels.

For more on this story:
- check out this article at DigiTimes
- check out this article at CRN

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