ReadWriteWeb speculates that “Google Chrome OS [will] Feature Single Sign-On for Chrome Browser”. They cite some evidence in the source code. Some excerpts of the post:
In the code, a line references something being called the “Chrome OS login manager.” Essentially, this login manager will function as a single sign-on (SSO) cookie which will simultaneously log you into all Google services including things like Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Reader, etc…
That’s as much as we know for sure, but what is not clear is exactly how this SSO option will be presented to the user. We wouldn’t be a bit surprised to see you logging into your computer with your Google account the way you log into your Mac or Windows PC using a set of credentials you create during the setup process. However, in Google’s case, it’s easy to imagine a more web service like prompt on the login screen. For example: “Create a Google account” / “Already have a Google account? Sign in here.” Perhaps there will even be a “Remember Me” option so you don’t have to log in again, you just flip the netbook’s lid open. Of course that’s all speculation, but it seems logical.
Well, if this turned out to be true, this would be a major, major win for OpenID and the entire internet identity movement. Because guess what all the other browser manufacturers will do? Feature parity. It always works that way. And if implemented well, most criticisms of OpenID will have a chance to fall by the way side.
Even if Google’s browser implemented a clear preference towards Google as identity provider, as ReadWriteWeb thinks, at least some of the other browsers won’t, for competitive reasons, and feature parity works the other way, too.
Some years down the future in the best case, however. Unfortuately.