Is Google on the verge of releasing low-budget PC? The Google Cube

Is Google on the verge of releasing low-budget PC? The Google Cube

LAS VEGAS - The news on the the rumor mill today is that online search behemoth Google Inc is all set to announce a $200 low-budget PC on the final day of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. This was first reported by the Los Angeles Times and speculation has grown ever since that the Worlds leasding search engine is ready to throw down the gauntlet to Microsoft, who is already playing catchup.

This would really mean that the gloves are off between Microsoft and Google who seem to have less than amicable relations already and adds further pressure on Microsoft who must rely on the success of their next OS and internet browser to claw back some of the ground lost to Google over the past two years.

The report claims that Google has already had discussions with retailing giant Wal-Mart to market this PC or some hardware that apparently connects easily to the Internet. Google co-founder and President Larry Page is slated to deliver a keynote address at the Consumer Electronics Show on the last day and the rumor mill is working overtime that whatever the announcement is, it will come later this week.

However, the Mountain View, California-based Company rubbished rumors that it was planning to take on Microsoft Windows by introducing it own Operating System in this PC, "We have many PC partners who serve their markets exceedingly well and we see no need to enter the market," Google spokeswoman Eileen Rodriguez said in a statement.

But these rumors have ensured that whatever the announcement, it will overshadow big names like Microsoft's Bill Gates and Intel's Paul Otellini who usually publicize their upcoming products at this show each year. Analysts say that Google's announcement is being hugely anticipated.

Michael Gartenberg, the vice president at Jupiter Research said, "People have been speculating about things like a Google Web browser or Google operating system. People have tried to sell alternative operating PCs for any number of years. Everyone else who's tried that has not gotten any market penetration -- with the exception of Apple. But even Apple is a distant second."

This is the first time that Google's main men are addressing the show and some fireworks are expected. These devices are being called as "Google Cubes", but there was no confirmation from Google about it. Gartenberg had the final word though, "You're talking about going one-on-one with Microsoft and all of its partners, and creating a whole ecosystem of software applications on your own. Is it possible? Sure. Is it likely to be successful? It's hard to imagine, unless there is something we don't yet know about," he said.