Search giant Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) may not be sticking to just search for much longer. The China Times has reported a rumor that Google may be releasing something called a Chromebook, which would feature a touchscreen and could be out as early as this holiday season. This move would put the company in direct competition with companies such as Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Nokia (NYSE: NOK), or even Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) to an extent. Normally, the company outsources hardware design and manufacture to third[party companies, though it did play a big role in designing its Nexus line, but if the rumors prove true, this would be a major new step for Google.

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