Chrome OS: The first screenshots

Chess on Chrome OS
Chess on Chrome OS

TechRadar has pulled together the first screenshots of Google Chrome OS, from the application menu to the in-browser chess.

In truth, the concept of Chrome OS will confuse many, being a major step away from the traditional concept of the operating system.

Chrome OS is, at heart, a browser with some key additions and it is far from a direct competitor for Microsoft's Windows just yet.

Google chrome os applications panel

The applications panel. A key part of the Chrome OS is the applications panel - the thing most comparable to a traditional desktop or start bar. This is where apps will be launched from - including Gmail, Google Docs and Calendar.

As you can see from the shot - the look and feel is still that of a browser, with tabs etc. The applications panel is launched from an icon in the top left of the screen.

Multiple windows

Multiple sessions: Google insisted that this part of the user interface (UI) would change, but this indicates how a user can have multiple groups of tasks (essentially multiple browsers) running at the same time so that a user can shuttle between them.

Music in google chrome os

Native music support:Native music and video support is key to Chrome - as you may expect.

Clicking on a music link in Google's new Google music search integration brings up a player and off we go.

Panels in chrome os

Panels: Panels are key to Chrome OS. Chat, music, notepad and other apps can all run in panels - just like the familiar Google Chat pop up in Gmail.

Browser in chrome

Browser: As you can see - when you are surfing, the OS looks exactly like the Chrome browser. As Sundar Pichai, Vice President of Product Management, told the conference "Chrome IS Chrome OS".

Chess in chrome os

Chess in Chrome OS: Chess was one of the applications shown running in Chrome OS - it runs either in a tab or full screen. As Google points out: "Any web app is a Chrome OS app".

Documents in chrome os

Documents: Obviously the way in which files are handled is a key factor - and Chrome OS simply translates the familiar trees into a browser tab.

Books on chrome os

Books: Google made special mention of the way in which books in Google Books render. Will Chrome OS Devices be looking to take on eReaders?

Patrick Goss

Patrick Goss is the ex-Editor in Chief of TechRadar. Patrick was a passionate and experienced journalist, and he has been lucky enough to work on some of the finest online properties on the planet, building audiences everywhere and establishing himself at the forefront of digital content.  After a long stint as the boss at TechRadar, Patrick has now moved on to a role with Apple, where he is the Managing Editor for the App Store in the UK.