Search giant Google is said to be planning to introduce a touch-enabled Chromebook by the end of the year. According to the China Times (via Mashable), Google has already placed a "tentative" order for 20 million units with its Taiwanese manufacturer, Compel.

It is believed that the new Chromebook will be placed under the Google brand and positioned as an alternative to Windows 8 hardware – all-in-one PC’s and hybrid laptops.

However, the article does not specify whether the new laptops will be running Google's own Chrome or Android operating systems, or a brand new OS - possibly involving an amalgamation of the two.

But the report does assert that the new hardware may be released in time for Christmas, with an expected December launch window being mentioned.