Chrome OS open-sourced by October 31?

Google's announcement of Chrome OS, an operating system initially aimed at netbooks, has surprised many observers, judging by the enormous amount of media coverage and online discussion. Not all of the coverage is positive, either. Some observers think Chrome OS will have an uphill battle against the Microsoft Windows juggernaut (see 5 Ways Microsoft Will Bring the Hurt to Google Chrome OS), while others are decrying the potential impact on Linux (see Ubuntu's maker: Chrome OS 'no slam dunk' just because Google announces it).

Google says the open-source operating system won't be available on netbooks until the second half of 2010, and is currently working with a number of hardware manufacturers -- including chip giant Intel -- to prepare products that can run the operating system. On the software side, Google says Chrome OS will be open sourced "later this year". There will be a lot of pressure to get it out sooner rather than later, to build a community around the OS, give developers access to the source code, and keep the focus on the new platform amidst the glut of other tech announcements and developments that occur in the runup to Christmas, CES, and Macworld.

Prediction: Google formally open-sources Chrome OS on or before October 31, 2009.