Google Inc. will open a Web applications store later this year in an attempt to make it easier to find and set up programs within the Internet search leader’s Chrome browser. The online store, previewed Wednesday during a Google conference for software programmers, appears to be ideally suited for the lightweight laptops called “netbooks” that will rely on an operating system revolving around the Chrome browser. The Chrome OS netbooks won’t have hard drives and will need Internet access to run applications. These inexpensive computers are scheduled to be on store shelves in time for the holiday shopping season. Google didn’t specify a precise date for the opening of its new applications, or “apps,” store, saying only that it will be accessible to the more than 70 million users of the Chrome browser before the end of the year. The company already operates an apps store for its Andriod software that powers a wide variety of smart phones. From AP