Google on Tuesday unveiled a beta version of its Chrome OS notebook, dubbed Cr-48. Those hoping to get their hands on a Chrome OS device, however, will either have to wait until mid-2011 or obtain one through one of several Google-backed giveaway options.
Google plans to release two, Intel-based Chrome OS notebooks from Acer and Samsung in mid-2011, with Verizon Wireless providing cellular connectivity. No pricing information was released for the upcoming Acer and Samsung devices; Google said its partners will hold their own launch events in the future with more details.
Verizon connectivity will be available without a contract. Every user will get 100MB of free data every month for the first two years. Users can also purchase an unlimited day pass for $9.99, an additional 1GB of data for $20 per month, an additional 3GB of data for $35 per month, or an additional 5GB of data for $50 per month.
When asked about the possibility for an ARM-based device, Sundar Pichai, Google's vice president of product management, said during a launch event that Chrome OS "can span a wide variety of devices, form factors, underlying chip architectures. Our earliers partners are planning Intel architectures, so partners will help us lead the way and we'll support them where they want to go."
But while Google has made strides in Chrome OS development in the last year, "we aren't fully done yet," Pichai said during a Tuesday press event in San Francisco.
A wireless printing option, for example, is not yet done, and Google is still working on USB connectivity, Pichai said. The company also needs to tune performance and fix bugs.
"We realized we have some time left to go," Pichai said.
As a result, Google is instead launching the Chrome OS Pilot Program. The program, which will provide the beta Cr-48 notebook to select users "is intended for early adopters, [and] users who are used to using beta software," Pichai said.
The "Cr" part of Cr-48 is short for Chromium. The device will have a 12.1-inch screen and full-size keyboard, as well as an oversized, clickable touchpad. It will also include world-mode 3G and 802.11 dual-band Wi-Fi. Google promised eight hours of active use and eight days of standby, as well as a webcam.
It also will not have caps locks or function keys, hard drives, or spinning discs. There is "more than enough" GB, Pichai said, though he did not elaborate. The device also features a jail-breaking mode. "It's fully available for you to break into," Pichai said.
The Cr-48 notebook also has 3G connectivity from Verizon. Google declined to name a hardware provider; "it has no branding," Pichai said.
How do you get it? First, it's not for sale. Initially, Google is testing this with several business clients, including American Airlines, Kraft, Logitech, Virgin America and affiliated Department of Defense organizations.
In terms of the consumer pilot, Google will add a new tab to Chrome for a few users, which will give them the opportunity to get a Chrome OS notebook. Google recently ran a special on its Facebook page, asking users to take a quiz for a chance to get a sticker; certain users will get that sticker - attached to a Chrome OS device. Users can also submit a video via YouTube.com/googlechrome, explaining why they would make the ideal Chrome OS notebook beta tester. Users can also apply at google.com/chromenotebook.
Finally, Google gave everyone in attendance at Tuesday's event the Cr-48.
Also on Tuesday, Google unveiled its Chrome Web Store, with partners like Amazon, New York Times, and Electronic Arts. It also showcased some new additions to Chrome, and said the browser now has 120 million users.