Rumour has it that Google will this week unveil a no-frills personal computer costing as little as $200.
Despite its low price it would enable users to collect and store internet-delivered content such as films, music and photos then show it on TV.
Speculation is mounting that Google co-founder Larry Page will use a keynote speech at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on Friday to unveil details of this low-cost computer or internet-enabled device that will run on a new operating system developed by Google.
According to the LA Times, Google will announce details of the new device at CES, where it could also unveil its partnership with Wal Mart to sell the machines.
The report follows comments made by US analysts just before Christmas, suggesting Google would expand into hardware.
In a briefing note, Bear Stearns analyst Robert Peck said the US online giant would launch Google Cubes – simple network-based boxes that could link and control home entertainment, computer and automation systems.
If this turns out to be true, it’ll be a very very interesting development in the PC world. Google would be directly taking on Microsoft and their Windows OS, and that promises to be one hell of a show.
[Source: Guardian Unlimited]