Rumors say that by the end of this year, Google will come up with a Chrome OS smartbooks, a key product incorporating smartphone CPUs instead of netbook chips. Google has been the trendsetter in this domain, after having introduced Nexus One, the Android mobile phone. Hewlett-Packard and Acer are expected to reply with innovative products manufactured by Quanta Computer to Google’s launch of Chrome OS smartbook.

According to Digitimes, on a first instance, Chrome OS smartbooks will be produced by Inventec, a Taiwan-based device manufacturer in a series of 60,000-70,000 units, the products being available for online purchase and not through retail stores. Regarding the price, a maximum of 400$ per unit is expected.

Google is also looking to more cloud printing solutions, as Google Docs code was uncovered for support for such a feature.  It’s another tie in for Google Chrome OS, which is seeing a number of integration points throughout Google’s larger system.  Cloud printing in particular is a growing area of interest, from the printer companies, personal cloud-management services, etc.  Google’s Chrome-Android combo is even encouraging printer manufacturers like HP to develop around the operating system.

The Chrome browser is also living up to expectations, and it’s growing at a fairly rapid pace.  Gaining market share from Mozilla is the going trend, though Microsoft is making some overall comebacks with its browser and search.