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Google's Chrome OS Looking Better Daily

by Terrence O'Brien on June 27, 2010 at 09:01 AM

Chrome OS
Although it's only been a few months since November, it seems like forever ago that Google announced Chrome OS, its lightweight Linux plus browser operating system that is aimed at the growing netbook and tablet market. Over the past couple of months, we've caught a few tantalizing glimpses of its Web-app based future, including interface mock-ups and the announcement of an app store. We've even booted up a few early versions on a test PC. It's safe to say that development is moving along at a breakneck pace.

New images posted at the Google Code page for Chromium OS (the open-source basis for Chrome OS) reveal that many of the mock-ups have made the transition from idea to reality, and that the interface is moving away from just being the Chrome browser with a clock in the corner. Pop-up notifications that are very similar to Gmail's Google Talk windows have been added. There is also a side-tab option that moves the clock, network and message indicators and browser tabs to the right-hand side of the window -- leaving more vertical space for your apps.

Chrome OS Takes Shape



Meanwhile, a full-screen file browser offers the ability to preview certain files (like pictures), and the redesigned options menu no longer opens as another tab in the browser. The log-in screen has also been redesigned, and the option to browse without logging into a Google account has been added (a must for non-Google users). Coming soon is the ability to open zip files and simple offline games like 'Solitaire' and 'Minesweeper.'

Google employees are already running the OS on so-called "dogfood devices." Check out the gallery to see how Chrome OS is coming together. [From: TechCrunch, via: Lifehacker]

Tags: chrome, ChromeOs, chromium os, ChromiumOs, google, GoogleChrome, operatingsystem, top

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