Versions of Sony's Vaio laptops will come preloaded with Google's year-old Chrome browser.
At the moment, reports suggest the deal is just for some laptops sold in the US, and has apparently been so for months.
The deal marks Chrome's first official distribution with a manufacturer, a significant move even though Sony is far from a top player in the PC market when it comes to volume - failing to even rank in the top five.
"We are in the process of testing one such channel with Sony," Google told Reuters in a statement, with Google spokesperson Eitan Bencuya adding that the web giant is looking to team up with more hardware makers.
The deal comes as the sector's dominate force Microsoft has been forced by the European Union to encourage browser competition. Chrome holds about two per cent of the market worldwide, trailing far behind leaders like Microsoft's Internet Explorer and even Mozilla's Firefox, which grab about 70 per cent and 20 per cent respectively.
The competition between Microsoft and Google will get even more interesting when Google releases its Chrome operating system, expected to happen next year - with manufacturers already lining up to use the OS on netbooks.
-
Asus ZenScreen Fold OLED MQ17QH reviewReviews A stunning foldable 17.3in OLED display – but it's too expensive to be anything more than a thrilling tech demo
-
How the UK MoJ achieved secure networks for prisons and offices with Palo Alto NetworksCase study Adopting zero trust is a necessity when your own users are trying to launch cyber attacks
-
Spanish spyware outfit uncovered, develops exploits for Windows, Chrome, and FirefoxNews Google was only able to discover the company after an anonymous submission was made to its Chrome bug reporting programme
-
Google adds new security vendor plugins for Chrome, improved Chrome OS policy controls for IT adminsNews New integrations across various security pillars aim to improve Chrome OS and Chrome browser security for enterprise customers
-
Google patches second Chrome browser zero-day of 2022
News Google acted quickly to secure against the type confusion vulnerability that was under active exploitation
-
Acer Chromebook Spin 513 review: Cheap and mostly cheerfulReviews An affordable Chromebook convertible with good looks but mediocre performance
-
Google says Chrome is now faster than Safari on Apple SiliconNews According to Apple's own benchmarks, Chrome 99 scored the highest out of any browser ever tested
-
Google Chrome update fixes zero-day under active exploitation
News Google releases a fresh wave of patches for severe vulnerabilities that could facilitate code execution and system takeover via Google Chrome
-
Asus Chromebook CX9 (CX9400CE) review: The most stylish Chromebook on the marketReviews A sleek, expensive Chromebook that tries to bring professional style to Google’s OS
-
Chromebook shipments plunge due to 'shift in demand'News Sales of Chrome OS devices fell 29.8% in the third quarter of 2021 to 6.5 million units, according to IDC
