Google Almost Denies PC Moves

Google and Wal-Mart are both denying reports that the two are planning to market low-priced, Google PCs via Wal-Mart stores. The LA Times reported Monday that Google intends to market a fully functioning PC running a Google operating system and pricing out at a bargain basement $200.

Analsyts believe it is more likely that Google will announce a partnership with a well-known hardware manufacturer if it decides to build such a device. That view seems to tally with Google’s response to the rumor Monday. "We have many PC partners who serve their markets exceedingly well and we see no need to enter that market," Google spokeswoman Eileen Rodriguez told Light Reading via email. "We would rather partner with great companies."

LightReading - Google Passes on PCs

One device being suggested is a dumb network computer, or Google ‘cube’ which will deliver music, video and even VOIP calls from the PC to the televisions, stereos and phones in the home. This would be a long way from the "fully functional" PC suggested by the LA Times, but a fair way towards what its hacks were suggesting.

It could be one of those that we will see at the Consumer Electronics Show on Friday. One thing the LA Times did get wrong was Google was working with Wal-Mart on the deal. Wal-Mart has said that there was "absolutely no truth to the rumor" which is about as categorical denial as you can get.

the Inquirer - Google almost denies PC moves