Google on Tuesday unveiled its Chrome Web Store, a browser-based app store that will initially feature about 500 apps from partners like Amazon, Electronic Arts, the New York Times, and Sports Illustrated.

Via Google's Chrome browser, the Web Store is now available at chrome.google.com/webstore. At this point, the store looks a bit like a stripped-down, Web version of iTunes. Featured apps are up top, with categories, extensions, and collections featured on the left. On the right, Google lists the top paid apps, as well as staff favorites.

Going forward, Sundar Pichai, Google's vice president of product management, said the number of apps will "grow very, very sharply."

The idea was to have a central location for Web apps from a company that people trust, Pichai said. "The web has thousands and thousands of apps but it is really hard for us to discover these apps," Pichai said. Meanwhile, some people don't trust small developers enough to hand over their credit card information. "Those are the problems we set out to solve" with the Chrome Web Store, he said.

During a press event in San Francisco, Google showcased an app from the New York Times, which is free and includes 10 customizable skins so users can choose how they want to view the news. Electronic Arts chief John Shappert was also on hand to show off the Web Store version of its game Poppit, which is also free.

Amazon executives also made an appearance to show off two apps: Windowshop and Kindle for the Web. Windowshop, available now, is free and provides a scrolling, photo view of items available on Amazon. Kindle for the Web, meanwhile, will provide access to e-books on the browser, without a plug-in. It will launch next year.

For paid apps, the Web Store will be integrated with your Google Account.

At the same event, Google said it will release two, Intel-based Chrome OS notebooks from Samsung and Acer in mid-2011. For now, however, it is providing a beta device, dubbed Cr-48, to select testers.

For more details, see the slideshow below.