Google Chrome OS partnering with Verizon Wireless

Google recently showed off progress made with its Chrome line of products.

Here are some highlights:

• “Nothing but the Web.”
• Chrome OS features a fast and simple setup process, remarkably fast boot times and an instant resume feature to minimize wait time when the OS wakes from sleep.
• Unified experience across Chrome on netbooks, desktops and more.
• Multiple user support and guest mode — everything a user does in guest mode is private and history is deleted instantly when a session is ended.
• Verizon Wireless cellular data connectivity (international options are available as well) in every Chrome OS notebook/netbook — no contracts, no activation fees and monthly plans starting at $9.99.
• Updates are seamless — no user operations are required to update the OS or apps.
• Most secure OS in the world — security is a major focus of Chrome OS; all Chrome OS data is encrypted by default.
• Verified boot — core OS components are in firmware that cannot be modified.
• Enterprise options — Google is working closely with partners like Citrix to ensure the enterprise market is addressed.
• Google’s Chrome OS PCs get faster over time, not slower like other PCs.
• Initial manufacturing partners include Acer, Samsung and Intel.

Chrome OS is a work in progress and there is still a lot of work to be done. The first Chrome OS notebooks are due by the middle of 2011. There is a Chrome OS pilot program in the mean time, though — a program for early adopters where they will get a “CR-48″ netbook featuring a 12.1-inch display, a full-sized keyboard, built in 3G and Wi-Fi, 8 hours of usage time per charge. Interestingly, there are no hard drives, no caps lock keys and the laptop is jailbreak-friendly. End users have several ways to apply for the pilot program, the easiest of which is completing an application at online at google.com/chromeos.