Will Chrome OS be released before the end of this year?

http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/11/13/google-chrome-os-to-launch-within-a-week/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+Techcrunch+(TechCrunch)&utm_content=Google+Reader

If there are insufficient/unsupported drivers to run the system, what is the point of releasing Chrome OS at this time? If it is not a general release, because drivers are unavailable, is it regarded as a release in terms of this question?

I can see that the author of this question has just placed a huge best on this question, which I presume means that any release whatsoever qualifies in his book...

2. How must the world change for Chrome OS to be successful?

Google has described Chrome as an operating system for people who spend most of their time on the Internet.
I am one of those people, in the always-connected sense, but the current "applications on the hard drive" model serves me pretty well. If my broadband connection disappears, I can work quite happily (if disconnectedly) until communication is restored. How will Chrome OS handle this situation?

5. What happens to third-party applications in a Chrome OS world?

Google needs to explain the role of third-party applications in a Chrome-plated world. Must they all be online apps that live in the cloud?
How much functionality will exist on a Chrome OS machine when it isn't connected to the cloud? Can small developers make money writing Chrome apps, or is this a game for big players and, especially, for Google to dominate?
http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/182491/ahead_of_chrome_os_5_questions_and_concerns.html

5 Expectations for Google's Chrome OS Event
Ian Paul
Nov 18, 2009 8:46 am
http://www.pcworld.com/article/182475/5_expectations_for_googles_chrome_os_event.html

It's a little late to clarify now, but does this include beta releases?

I'd think not... but anyway, http://www.lockergnome.com/theoracle/2009/11/19/chrome-os-revealed-but-hibernating-for-winter/

See, now I predicted this days ago, and again today. No Chrome OS for a while. Seemed straightforward to me, and I thought all that speculation was quite foolhardy.

November 19, 2009 5:46 PM PST
Google released the source code for Chrome OS on Thursday, beginning the process of producing a browser-based operating system by the end of 2010 for lower-end PCs called Netbooks. Although Linux runs under the covers, the applications all run within Google's browser.
http://news.cnet.com/2300-30685_3-10001912.html

(not sufficient for settlement, but still interesting info)

I may as well keep my speculative bet alive and hope for the end of the year.

I think we have to wait and see if Google will take the Chromium OS and package it as Chrome OS (just as they test and package the Chromium browser as the Chrome browser) before the end of the year.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/182718/google_chrome_os_its_promises_and_secrets.html
Public demonstration of chrome os today 20thNov09

I disagree with the settlement. Here is a post about a using Chrome OS on a virtual machine right now: http://www.tomshardware.com/news/chrome-os-google-vmware-download,9124.html#xtor=RSS-181
I believe this meets the criteria of "possible to download or installed on a device you can buy" stated in the terms above.

I am writing this now using Chrome OS running on VMware. The code was released by Google. I believe this meets the criteria of the question "possible to download". If you look on the web, several sites are now posting reviews of Chrome OS. Two important points: Chrome OS was released by Google so it is possible to download it legally - this is not a pirated leak off the torrents. Also, many software programs are now released in a public beta format. Adobe Lightroom spent almost a year in public beta before being finalized. And remember that Gmail was beta forever. The question could have stated "available for purchase" if the final marketed version was necessary for settlement, but the only guidance given was "possible to download". The fact that I am writing this now using Chrome OS is proof that the software has in fact been released.
Thanks very much,
GL

@ TeleCentricity # 14,
I feel you have a valid argument for settlement being positive. If I may offer a bit of suggestion:
Repost your #14 under the "Flag" icon immediately under the settlement details above.
Posting a note here may or may not even be seen by administrators.

I almost posted your note there on your behalf, but decided it is better for all, if you post a note there instead of me.
That way if there are any questions about your request, they know who to contact.
I would also include as many "download site links" as possible verbatim,
instead of just saying that they exist, as that makes a stronger argument for your case,
and makes it easier for the admins to verify your claims, which can only add to your success.

Now, for the important stuff - How do you like Chrome OS running on VMware?
I am A+ certified, but have been out of the industry for almost a decade, so I am quite rusty and behind the times.
Is the VMware hard to deal with?
Would you recommend Chrome OS yet?
I tried Chrome Browser when it first became available, but was disappointed because it would not properly display
one of my websites with some scripting embedded in the code.
Other than that one little glitch, I really liked the browser
and noticed it was faster, probably not being burdened with excessive overhead to operate.

Chatarra,
Thanks very much for your advice - I flagged it for review and included several links. I used this link to get it up and running: http://www.tomshardware.com/news/chrome-os-google-vmware-download,9124.html#xtor=RSS-181 . I must say it is kind of a disappointment. Doesn't do much except boot fast. Doesn't run hard drives. Reminds me of the splashscreen startup page on my ASUS motherboard - gets you quickly up and running to use Skype or email but that's about it. I guess that is the whole point - a very fast, lightweight OS.
On the other hand, I like Chrome browser a lot and I use it and Firefox for most things. Very fast.
Good luck with VMware and thanks again for the helpful advice.
Kind regards,
GL

Here are some additional links to downloading Chrome OS:
Here is a link on how to set up Chrome OS using VMware:
http://www.tomshardware.com/news/chrome-os-google-vmware-download,9124.html#xtor=RSS-181
Here is a list of reviews of Chrome OS with an emphasis on boot times (lots of links):
http://www.pcworld.com/article/182819/google_unveils_chrome_os_tech_world_yawns.html
Here is a direct link to the VMware download:
http://gdgt.com/google/chrome-os/download/

GL