Google unveils 'candy bar'-sized business PC

$100 miniture gadget turns any display into a PC

Google has unveiled a new business gadget which can turn any display into a PC despite being "smaller than a candy bar".

The Chromebit (pictured below), which is made by ASUS, will be launched in the summer and has full PC functionality despite appearing to be similar in size to a memory stick.

On the Google Chrome blog, the tech firm said it has an enterprise use case.

"Smaller than a candy bar, the Chromebit is a full computer that will be available for less than $100 (£67)," it said. "By simply plugging this device into any display, you can turn it into a computer. It's the perfect upgrade for an existing desktop and will be really useful for schools and businesses," it said.

Announced by Google at the same time were full-size, low-cost devices the Haier Chromebook 11 and the Hisense Chromebook.

"These new Chromebooks are fast, lightweight, have long-life batteries and are available for pre-order today for $149," Google said.

The firm also took the wraps off its ASUS Chromebook Flip, which weighs less than two pounds and is 15mm thick. It will cost $249 and will be available later this spring.

Google launched Chromebooks in 2011 as low-cost notebooks which run on the Chrome operating system. Shipments of Chromebooks are expected to reach 14.4 million units by 2017, according to Gartner.

In 2013 Microsoft targeted Chromebooks in its "Scroogled" marketing campaign, claiming the devices are "not a PC".

Last month Google opened its first-ever branded shop in London's Tottenham Court Road, which sells its range of products, such as Chromebooks and Android phones and tablets.