At the Google I/O conference today, Google revealed the Chrome Web Store, a browser-based application store where users will be able to download and install games like LEGO Star Wars and Plants Vs. Zombies directly to their web browsers.

The Chrome Web Store, due to launch later this year, will enable users to easily discover web applications and developers to reach a larger audience. The web store addresses problems with integrating web applications into a computer operating system by installing web applications directly to the browser. Google's overview of the technology likens the process to creating a "super-bookmark" to the web content.

The Chrome Web Store will work with any browser, though Chrome users will be able to take advantage of a special built-in app launcher area.

Applications will run the gamut of software types, from productivity programs to video games. During the presentation, demonstrations were made of Popcap's Plants Vs. Zombies, along with a port of LEGO Star Wars called LEGO Star Wars: The Quest for R2-D2. Both games launched immediately, with the Star Wars title running smoothly in full 3D.

Developers will be able to host free applications on the Chrome Web Store, or sell them via a secure payment system.

For more information, feel free to poke around the Chrome Web Store page. You might as well bookmark it now, before the rush.

We knew that Left 4 Dead 2's new expansion, "The Passing," paid a graffiti tribute to Dead Rising's Frank West. It looks like the game's creators admire Plants vs. Zombies as well.

Reader Stephen H. sent in this grab - we're trying to get a bigger image - but evidently Crazy Dave is the guy to see if you need an M60. Crazy Dave, of course, is your neighbor (and the armorer/store owner) in PopCap's Plants vs. Zombies.

This too is in the room with a pool table on the second level of "The Passing." Just scan the wall, you'll hit it and many other zombie genre in-jokes.

Text message from Plants Vs. Zombies lead designer George Fan to the iPhone of PvZ studio co-founder John Vechey, asked and answered at our request — because we care about video game zombies ... and PvZ.

Plants Vs. Zombies lawn ornaments, the lawn gnome for the PopCap Games era, as seen on BoingBoing. Thanks, Rebecca!

Surely, sewing has never been so cute!

Arixystix Creations posted these cute little creations last month, but I didn't seem then until this week, so they're new to me. Also, awwwwwwww!

Now which zombie from Popcap's famously fun casual title would be fit in this plushie scene?

Plants Vs. Zombies…again!