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Google has unveiled a tiny HDMI dongle that can turn any TV into a fully fledged computer.

Called the Chromebit, it uses Google's Chrome OS. 

It contains a fully featured PC which uses the  TV as its display, and wirelessly connects to a keyboard and mouse using bluetooth.

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The new Chromebit will go on sale later this year from laptop maker Asus

 'Smaller than a candy bar, the Chromebit is a full computer that will be available for less than $100,' Google 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.'

Google also said it is releasing its cheapest Chromebook laptops yet, two versions priced at $149 aimed at undercutting Microsoft's Windows franchise and gaining ground in even more classrooms.

Various PC manufacturers have been working with Google to design lightweight laptops running on the Chrome operating system since 2011. 

The newest versions are made by Hisense and Haier. 

Hisense's Chromebook can be ordered beginning Tuesday at Walmart.com and Haier's version can be bought at Amazon.com.

Their arrival coincides with Microsoft's rollout of a lower-priced Surface tablet in an effort to reach students and budget-conscious families. 

Pre-orders for that device began Tuesday, too.

As the prices for tablets and smartphones have been declining, it has forced PC makers to lower their prices, said International Data Corp. analyst Jay Chou.

The success of the Chromebook line is intensifying the PC pricing pressure.

TA $149 Hisense Chrome laptop in San Francisco. Google and Microsoft are releasing cheaper laptops and tablets in an effort to reach students, budget-conscious families and overseas markets.

'It has been good news for consumers, but not so good for vendors,' Chou said.

The cheaper version of the Surface Pro 3 sells for $499, compared with $799 to $1,949 for the higher-end models. 

The discounted version has a slightly smaller screen — 10.8 inches rather than 12 — a slower processor, and less flexible kickstand — just three angles rather than unlimited positions.

The Chromebook has served a dual purpose for Google. 

Like the company's Android software for mobile devices, the Chrome system is set up so users will automatically begin using Google's search engine and other services, such as Gmail and YouTube. 

Google has used the Chromebooks as a prod to bring down the prices of all PCs, something the company wanted to do because it has more opportunities to show the digital ads that bring in most of its revenue when more people can afford to buy an Internet-connected device.

This product image provided by Google shows the Haier Chromebook 11, a $149 laptop running on Google's Chrome operating system. Google is releasing two $149 laptops in an effort to undercut Microsoft¿s Windows franchise and drive down already falling personal computer prices. (AP Photo/Google)

'We cannot be happier that Microsoft is helping drive down the prices of PCs,' said Caesar Sengupta, Google's vice president of product management for Chromebooks. 

'If Microsoft is reacting to (Chromebook's low prices), that's fantastic. We love it.'

Unlike most computers, Chromebooks don't have a hard drive. Instead, they function as terminals dependent on an Internet connection to get most work done.

Despite those limitations, Chromebooks have been steadily gaining in popularity, particularly in schools, as more applications and services made available over Internet connections — a phenomenon known as 'cloud computing' that has reduced the need for hard drives.

About 6 million Chromebooks were sold worldwide last year, more than doubling from 2.7 million in 2013, according to IDC. 

In contrast, sales in the overall PC market slipped 2 percent last year, marking the third consecutive annual decline. IDC is projecting 8 million Chromebooks will be sold this year.

Besides the $149 laptops, Google also is attacking Microsoft on other fronts. 

Later this spring, Google and Asus are releasing a hybrid Chromebook that can use used as either a laptop or tablet with a 10-inch screen. Called the Chromebook Flip, it will sell for $249. 

This Monday, March 30, 2015 photo shows a Hisense Chrome laptop in San Francisco. Google and Microsoft are releasing cheaper laptops and tablets in an effort to reach students, budget-conscious families and overseas markets. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)