Sony financial papers hint at future Chromebook release

Sony is believed to be readying a notebook based on the Google Chrome operating system.

Documents released by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) indicate that the company has developed a notebook system which will run on the Chrome OS platform.

The filing includes image photos and a user manual for the Sony Chromebook.

The documents, which were filed on 22 September 2011, also contain test reports and support materials.

Sony has yet to make any announcement on a possible release date for a Chrome OS system.

Should the Sony device make it to market, the system would build on what has thus far been a limited range of options for Chromebooks.

To date just Acer and Samsung have introduced Chromebook models.

Based on the Chrome platform, Google's Chrome OS has thus far seen limited interest in the market.

Designed as a lightweight alternative to desktop operating system, Chrome OS relies largely on the Chrome browser and web-based applications.

The platform received a retail push last November when vendors cut system prices in hopes of cashing in on the holiday shopping season.

Retailers have estimated that the platform could account for as much as 10 per cent of sales, although there is scant evidence to date that Chromebooks are likely to achieve anywhere close to such projections.