Google launches Chrome Web Store; Chrome OS in H1 2011

At a press conference yesterday, Google announced couple of news related to Chrome. The first being the Chrome Web Store. It’s an app store for your browser with all the web apps, extensions and themes. The Chrome Web Store is now available to consumers and though Google claims the store is online only in the United States, I can visit (from India) and download apps from the Web Store.

Another exciting announcement was about the Chrome OS. Google has confirmed that first Chrome OS notebooks will be available from the first half of 2011. There are no details on the notebooks but Acer and Samsung will be the first manufacturers to roll out the Chrome OS-enabled devices.

However, for consumers who can’t wait to try out the OS, Google has announced a pilot program wherein they’ll give a Chrome OS notebook to pilot users. Google will provide Cr-48 notebook to selected users that features a 12.1-inch screen, full-size keyboard, trackpad, 3G from Verizon, Wi-Fi and battery life of up to 8 hours.

Chrome OS Pilot Program

[Via Chrome Blog]

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