Report: Acer to debut Chrome OS devices in early June

In two weeks, PC maker Acer will reportedly debut "mobile devices" running Google's Chrome operating system, according a report on VentureBeat that cites "multiple sources." It's unclear how many devices will be showcased or even what types of devices - netbooks or tablets or both?

The blog's sources say the devices will be launched at the Computex Taipei show early next month.

It's been a while since there's been an update about Chrome OS, which is trying to shift computing to a fast-boot, browser-based experience that isn't bogged down by an oversized OS and desktop apps. The company gave a brief update during the Google Atmosphere event last month and I suspect there will be more buzz around Chrome OS at Google I/O, the developer's conference being held in San Francisco next week.

The company summoned the tech press to the Googleplex last November for an update on Chrome OS but warned those of us in attendance that there would be no beta products at the event - and there weren't - because they were still a year out from there.

And while I trust VentureBeat as a reputable news source, I can't help but wonder if what will be on display in Taipei will be more of a prototype device. Earlier this month at Web 2.0 Expo, there was a lot of blog buzz about an Android-powered tablet at the Adobe booth. Oh sure, it was there - but it certainly wasn't the big deal that everyone made it out to be. It really couldn't even be considered a prototype.

Stay tuned. If Acer actually does release a Chrome OS device, we'll be sure to report it here.

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