Google Dropping Hardware Partners With New Chromebook?

Kimhiro Hoshino | AFP | Getty Images

Google is planning to roll out a Google-branded touchscreen model Chromebook, according to a report.

In the past, Google has relied on hardware partners like Samsung and Acer to produce the Chromebook, which is a low-cost computer that runs on Google's Chrome operating system and is built to be used while connected to the Internet.

But China Times is reporting that Google placed the order for the Chromebooks to a Taiwan-based manufacturer itself, instead of relying on its hardware partners.