Google delays release of Chrome OS

It's taking longer than Google anticipated to deliver a new operating system designed to make computers run faster. After more than a year building a much-anticipated system around its Chrome web browser, Google announced Tuesday that the first laptops powered by the new software won't hit the stores until the middle of next year. The revised timetable is about six months behind Google's goal of having the Chrome OS completed in time for it to debut during the current holiday season.

Google's engineers decided they needed more time to fix bugs and fine tune the Chrome OS before the company launches its ambitious challenge to computers running on long-established operating systems made by larger rivals, Microsoft and Apple.

While Google polishes the Chrome OS, it will collect user feedback through a pilot program allowing a relatively small number of consumers and businesses to test unbranded devices running the software. Consumers will be invited to receive the test laptops through the Chrome web browser and Google's YouTube video site. The companies getting the Chrome OS machines include AMR's American Airlines, Kraft Foods, Logitech, and Virgin Airlines.