Google pulls back the curtain on the Chrome OS

Google is finally spilling a few more beans about its forthcoming operating system. The company held a press conference today at its headquarters to give the first in-depth look at Chrome OS and what makes it unique.

First things first: If you’re hoping to replace your current version of Windows with the system, you’ll be out of luck. When Chrome OS does launch – sometime next year – it will only be available on devices specifically made to run with it.

For the most part, that will be netbooks – but likely ones that are notably cheaper than the ones currently on the market. (That could conceivably put them below $200, which would be an efficient way to quickly build an installed base for the OS.)

Chrome OS is very closely tied to the Chrome browser. The OS looks very similar – with tabs for various applications. It won’t run Microsoft office and is entirely Web-based. (Want word processing or spreadsheet applications? You’ll need to use GoogleDocs or some other Web-based app.)

You will be able to set up several ‘virtual desktops’ – allowing you to quickly access applications you use for various functions (i.e. GoogleDocs for a ‘work’ desktop, a music player for fun, etc.)

It’s an incredibly light OS and start-up is reportedly lightning fast – making the system ready to use in seconds, rather than Windows rather laborious start-up time.

It’s not the sort of thing that has Microsoft worried in the short term, but it could lead the charge to an online operating system – which could ultimately put Google in a very powerful position in the OS category.

Curious to see how Google explained it? Check out the videos after the break.