Google launches Chromebit, the desktop on a stick

Australians will be among the first to get their hands on Google's new Chromebit device, an HDMI stick that can turn any monitor into a ChromeOS desktop.

Google first revealed the product, which has been built in partnership with Asus, in March.

Similar in design to the company's Chromecast stick, the ChromeOS machine allows users to run almost any web application, such as Google's own Drive and Docs apps, and it can also be used as a media centre for playing movies and TV.

The 75g device contains 16GB storage and 2GB RAM, a quad-core Rockchip system on a chip, dual-band 2x2 wifi AC, one USB 2.0 port and HDMI-out. It uses an external power source, connected through a proprietary wall outlet connection.

The USB port allows for wired peripherals such as a mouse and keyboard to be plugged in.

It will cost US$85 and will be available in the US, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Japan, the UK, and New Zealand, among others.