Google has stepped up plans to distribute itsChrome web
browserreleased last year in a deal with Sony's PC
making division.
The Chrome browser underpins Google's efforts to expand from
search to applications as part of a broader business
diversification,
according to analysts.
Google is trying to boost the number of Chrome users,
particularly as it is designed to run web-based applications such
as Google Apps, and is in talks with other PC makers besides Sony,
according to the
Financial Times.
Chrome is estimated to have around 30 million active users, but
this accounts for only 2% of the browser market, compared with the
68% share of Microsoft's Internet Explorer.
Google said in a statement that the firm is exploring ways to
make Chrome accessible to a wider group of users.
In the deal with Sony, the Google Chrome browser will be shipped
with all new Vaio PCs. In May, Sony said it expected Vaio sales to
reach six million units in the next year.