Sony has signed a deal with Google to include the search giant’s Chrome internet browser on its Vaio PCs.

The deal's exact terms haven’t been disclosed, but a variety of Sony spokesfolks reveal Sony has been shipping some Vaios into the US with Chrome on board.

Some, but not all. So far the two firms have been testing the waters to sample buyers' reactions to the browser. They have been conducting the test since May, but the that evaluation programme is coming to an end.

Admission that a deal has been struck suggests that shortly all Vaios will arrive with Chrome pre-installed.

Sony’s deal with Google will likely annoy Microsoft. But there's no indication as yet that the Chrome tie-in will see new Vaios arrive without Internet Explorer too. ®