Google may pre-install Chrome browser

Chrome has not proved popular with web surfers

Google is investigating deals with major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to get its Chrome browser preinstalled on new computers.

Chrome has failed to find much support from either business or individuals since its launch in September. However, the search giant is committed to the browser and a pre-install deal with OEMs would be a logical way to increase uptake.

"We will probably do distribution deals," Sundar Pichai, vice president of product management at Google, told The Times. "We could work with an OEM and have them ship computers with Chrome pre-installed."

Pichai added that Linux and Mac versions of the browser would be released in the first half of next year, which he believes will also stimulate growth.

Chrome accounts for around 1.5 per cent of web site visits, according to internet monitoring firm GetClicky. This figure is unchanged from last month and is half Google's highest Chrome usage levels.