Google is building its Chrome operating system into notebook computers expected to hit the market next year. For now, Google has released a pilot program, where it gives test 12.1" notebooks to qualified users. After more than a year building an operating system around its Chrome Web browser, Google announced Tuesday that the first laptops powered by the new software won't hit the stores until the middle of next year. The revised timetable is about six months behind Google's goal of having the Chrome OS completed in time for it to debut during the current holiday season.

Last year, Google announced our effort to design an operating system that is built and optimized for the web. Many people already spend all their time in the Chrome web browser, and by building an operating system that is essentially a browser, Google promises to make computers faster, much simpler and more secure.

Chrome OS is at the stage where Google needs feedback from real users. Some of the features of Chrome OS require new hardware, but Google didn?t want to sell pre-beta computers. Instead the company is launching a pilot program where we will give test notebooks to qualified users, developers, schools and businesses. Google is starting with the U.S. and will expand to other countries once we get the necessary certifications. To participate in the pilot program, visit the Chrome notebook website.

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 users' apps, bookmarks and other browser settings are there. Setting up a new machine takes less than a minute. And even at this early stage, Google feels there is no consumer or business operating system that is more secure.

Chrome notebooks boot in about 10 seconds and resume from sleep instantly. Websites load quickly and run smoothly, with full support for the latest web standards and Adobe Flash.

All the apps, documents, and settings are stored safely in the cloud. So even if computer is lost, users can just log into another Chrome notebook and get right back to work.

Integrated Wi-Fi for home and work, and 3G for all the places in between. 100MB of free 3G data every month on the Verizon Wireless network.

Chrome notebooks also use advanced technology to help prevent malware and viruses from accessing your data.

Every time a CHrome computer is turned on, it upgrades itself with the latest features and fixes.

Every Chrome notebook runs millions of web apps, from games to spreadsheets to photo editors. The apps are available from the Chrome Web Store and are accessed through the browser - no CDs required. 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 Google's partners to deliver computing devices beyond notebooks.

Chrome browser

Google also says that this year, the number of people using Chrome browser has tripled from 40 to 120 million. Google is bringing Google Instant to the Omnibox, showing search results and loading web pages as you type. Google has also overhauled V8, Chrome?s JavaScript engine. It now runs complex JavaScript programs up to twice as fast as before.

Google has also opened the Chrome Web Store for developers. Developers have already started uploading apps. Right now the store is only available in the U.S., but Google plans to expand to many countries and currencies early next year. The store will be featured prominently in Chrome, helping people discover apps and developers reach millions of users around the world.