By Eddie Wrenn
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Google has given a fresh push behind its Chrome operating system - aiming to tackle Windows in the same way that the search engine's Android mobiles tackle the iPhone.
Chrome, which was officially released last year, is an operating system that sits almost entirely within an Internet browser, relying on a cloud computing-style set-up where documents, music, movies and apps are largely stored on the web.
The operating system has some strengths over a traditional Windows 7 machine - such as a start-up time of just seven seconds, but sales were underwhelming in the light of Window's heritage and availability.
Today, Google prepared to up the ante, introducing two new machines produced by Samsung - the laptop-style 'Chromebook' and a a desktop-style Chromebox.
The Chromebox, Google and Samsung's take on a desktop computer, is being launched in the UK
Google and Samsung have already worked successfully together on Chrome's cousin, the mobile Android system, with Samsung building the Nexus range of phones for Google, and having their own success with the Galaxy S range of phones.
Google said the new generation of machines were up to three times faster than the first generation, and provides much better compatibility with Android-style apps. It is also natively compatible with Microsoft Office documents and Google Documents, with hundred of apps available.
The laptops will also integrate with Google's file storage service Drive. and will provide offline support for Google Documents - so that you can open your documents without needing an internet collection.
Games and software available on the Chrome Web Store include Netflix, Kindle Cloud Reader and Pandora, games such as Angry Birds and console titles such as Bastion.
The operating system will also update automatically for security or new feature updates.
New generation: The Chromebox on the left is a mini-PC, and the Chromebook is a laptop-style offering from Samsung and Google
A spokesman for Google said: 'We’ve released eight stable updates over the past year, adding a number of major features and hundreds of improvements to all Chromebooks through our seamless auto-update mechanism.
'There’s a lot more on the way, so all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the benefits of the (always) new computer.'
Differences from the previous version of Chrome include the ability for the browser to be moved or minimised - previous it was fixed to the front of the screen, whereas now it acts like a traditional program.
There is also a quick-launch area in the bottom-left of the screen which acts like the 'Start' menu on Windows machines.
Samsung have released two new devices -firstly, a Chromebook, which has a dual core processor and Wi-Fi, as well as optional 3G for mobile internet access.
Prices have only been spotted for the US models so far, at $449 for the Wifi model, or $549 for the Wifi and 3G model.
It has a 12.1inch screen with 1280x800 pixels, an estimated six hours of battery life, and two USB ports.
The Chromebox, which looks similar to an Apple's Mac Mini or other living-room PCs, can be plugged into modern TVs or any computer monitor and costs $329 - but you need to bring your own keyboard, mouse and screen.
Google introduces Chrome:
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