Google tipped for branded Chromebook tablet

Google is reportedly developing a branded version of a Chromebook tablet.

Chinese news publication Commercial Times reported that local manufacturers are working with Google on developing and manufacturing a Chromebook model which will bear the Google brand name.

The reports suggest that the Google Chromebook device would sport a 12.9in screen and would be set for release in the first quarter of 2013.

As with other Chromebook devices, the tablet would be powered by Google's ChromeOS and would be designed primarily to run web-based applications.

Google has yet to provide any official comment on the matter.

The release would add to a line of Google-branded products which have thus far been limited to Android devices in its Nexus family. Google has had a history of using its branded hardware as reference designs for third-party vendors to build their own models from.

Still in its early stages, the Chromebook design has seen limited uptake from vendors thus far. The platform has picked up in recent months, however, as vendors including Acer and Samsung have introduced their own models.

Designed as an affordable alternative to Windows-based notebooks, Chromebooks are designed to run browser-based applications and cloud computing environments.

By minimising hardware requirements, vendors are able to offer Chromebook models with price tags as low as $199 in some cases.