LG may be preparing to enter the ranks of companies producing hardware that runs Google’s Chrome Operating System. The folks at TMWatch spotted new trademark filings for three new LG devices, called the ChromeOne, ChromeDesk, and ChromeStation.
We probably shouldn’t read too much into the news. It’s possible these are just referring to shiny new chrome-encrusted Windows or Android devices rather than new Chrome OS hardware. And companies have been known to file for trademarks they never get around to using (although it’s tough to defend a trademark when that happens).
But with Acer, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, and Toshiba all offering Chrome OS devices, it’d hardly be surprising to see LG get on board in the coming months.
Chrome OS is an operating system based on the Google Chrome web browser. It generally boots quickly and provides a bit of security you don’t get with most operating systems since apps are sandboxed off from the core operating system, making it tough to accidentally install malware.
The reliance on web apps also means that software is pretty much always up to date, because as soon as there’s a new version on the server you can use it on your Chrome OS device, and your data for most apps is generally backed up online, which means it’s synchronized across your devices.
On the other hand some key apps such as Microsoft Office, iTunes, and Photoshop don’t run on Chrome OS (at least not the full desktop versions).
Most Chrome OS devices on the market are laptops, which are usually called chromebooks. But with LG apparently working on three different models, it’s possible the company could have a desktop, all-in-one PC, or other type of hardware in the works. Or maybe LG filed for trademarks on three different names but plans to only use one.
Or maybe we’re reading too much into things and the company just plans to launch a chrome-plated smartphone.
via Engadget