Google has just announced their latest product, Google Chrome OS, an operating system based on the Linux kernel initially targeted at netbooks.

But the real thing you're wondering is of course, why is it named Chrome OS? Well, that's because Google Chrome will be the base of the operating system. Chrome OS will allow you to easily access the web on your netbooks while keeping a close eye on elements that matter: speed, simplicity and security. Chrome OS is suppose to show the way operating systems should evolve (in Google's eyes), which is bringing you even closer to the web than before.

If you're thinking, where's the Chrome part, besides being the default browser? Well, Chrome actually serves as the platform. Chrome OS will (only) run web applications that run on Chrome, meaning a combination of JavaScript, HTML, etc.

Currently Google has another OS, named Android, for mobile phones and is also being ported to netbooks. Google expects some overlap between the two, as they'll share some technologies (and hardware?), but will surely be a big competitor (and name) against Moblin, Eeebuntu, Windows 7 and other netbook operating systems.

Google Chrome OS is expected to debut in the second half of 2010, initially for netbooks.