Internet giant Google plans to introduce a Chrome OS-powered 12.85-inch touch notebook by early next year, reveals a DigiTimes report.
Google Chromebooks are basically laptops such as Acer C7 or Samsung Chromebook that run only on the Chrome application. Interestingly, the report said Google is launching the touch Chromebook under its own brand name rather than going through Samsung or Acer.
Quoting a report from the Chinese Commercial Times, TNW said Google has tapped Taiwanese manufacturers Compal Electronics and Wintek to provide OEM and touch panel respectively. The shipments of the device parts have already began in November for the expected product launch in the first quarter of 2013.
While its recent Chromebooks from Samsung and Acer do not feature a touch-enabled screen, Google seems to be going the modern smartphone way to reduce the thickness of the device by incorporating optical lamination which combines the touch sensor and cover glass in one slot. However, if the rumour turns out to be true (unlike a 2009 news of Google Chrome OS-based netbook), it would mean that technology giants such as Microsoft and Google are sensing better future in touchscreen laptops.
