A Wired interview with Sundar Pichai revealed that an upcoming update to Google's Chrome OS will see tighter integration between the netbook OS and Google's new cloud storage offering, Google Drive. The update is expected to greatly improve the file system functionality of Chrome OS.
Shortcomings in file management have been a point of criticism for Google's fledgling alternative OS for some time, but the advent of Google drive will likely address many of those critiques. With Chrome OS 2.0, Drive will be integrated into the native file system, according to Google representatives. Google is also working with third-party services like VMware to make sure that web-based apps are able to smoothly integrate with Drive, allowing users to move files to and from their Chromebooks without continually needing to upload and download files.
Introduced last year, Google's Chromebooks, developed in partnership with a range of manufacturers, have seen little success, with reports pegging sales for some devices at just 5,000 units. In light of the poor sales, Google reduced prices significantly late last year. Google also made changes to the OS, giving it a Windows-like taskbar and the capability to handle multiple windows.
Sales figures following the price cuts are still unknown, but Sony at least seems undeterred by the poor sales of other Chromebooks. Pictures of a VAIO-branded Chromebook leaked earlier this year, though the device has yet to be formally announced.
