Google Chrome OS to arrive next week?

Google Chrome

The Google Chrome operating system is rumoured to be set for arrival next week, but the web giant won't confirm the speculation.

The Chrome OS was announced in July and expected to arrive this autumn, but Google has kept quiet on the timeline of late.

Despite that, TechCrunch is claiming a "reliable source" has told it that the much-awaited OS will arrive in beta form as early as next week.

That site noted that given the difficulties Google faces creating drivers, it will likely be a soft launch either way.

A Google spokesman offered a "no comment," as the firm never has much to say on rumours and speculation.

Despite the fact that it's yet to even be unveiled in beta form, Google managed to sign up some hardware partners over the summer.

Read on for more about how the Chrome OS will affect Linux on netbooks.