Google unveils Chrome OS notebook computer

Google has delayed the launch of its much anticipated laptop, powered by its Chrome operating system, until 2011. Instead, Google announced a pilot programme aimed at people who “live on the web”. Chrome OS is Google’s boldest bid yet to challenge Microsoft’s market dominance with Windows software.

Google has already gone after Microsoft’s Office software with its Google Docs product. Chrome marks a departure from traditional operating systems, such as Mac OSX and Windows, by targeting users who spend most of their time on the web. “We think cloud computing will define computing as we know it,” said Eric Schmidt, Google’s chief operating officer. “Finally there is a viable third choice for an operating system.”