Google Chrome Browser Interface

First a browser called Google Chrome. Now, an operating system called Google Chrome OS. Yes, Google recently unveiled their plans in developing an operating system of their own. The operating system, to be released in 2010, will be called – Google Chrome OS.

Google Chrome OS will be an Open Source project. It is based on the open source Linux kernel. It’s initial target platform will be netbooks. It’s supposed to turn netbooks into an internet appliance. Instant boot up is among the main feature.

The idea here is to create an operating system that is fast, simple and secure. Users get to instantly access their web applications after a speedy boot up. Google Chrome OS will basically be streamlined for web usage. The main user interface will be the browser (Google Chrome Browser?). It’s best suited for those who fully utilize the web in their daily computing chores. Cloud computing is the way to go, according to Google.

Of course, Google is already prepping everyone for cloud computing. Google have removed the Beta tag on Google Apps. Google Apps is their range of cloud computing application and services. They have a wide range of web based applications – Google Docs, Google Calendar, GMail, GTalk, Picasa, etc.

.. computers need to get better. People want to get to their email instantly, without wasting time waiting for their computers to boot and browsers to start up. They want their computers to always run as fast as when they first bought them. They want their data to be accessible to them wherever they are and not have to worry about losing their computer or forgetting to back up files. Even more importantly, they don’t want to spend hours configuring their computers to work with every new piece of hardware, or have to worry about constant software updates.

Excerpt from Official Google Blog: Introducing the Google Chrome OS

Many have rambled about how Google Chrome OS will affect other operating systems, especially Microsoft. The battle of the OS looks to be heated up some more. Really, do you think Microsoft will be affected?

Upon release, I think not. Since the initial target platform will only be on netbooks. That’s a small niche market. The netbook market might be growing, but nobody knows for sure how much growth it will achieve. Microsoft, now has control over the desktops, notebooks, tablets and servers market. A little drop in the netbook market is not going to do them any harm.

Besides, Google Chrome OS will only be released late 2010. As with any first release software, it will have to go through a lot of testing and tweaking before becoming stable. My bet is, by the time Google Chrome OS becomes stable and perfect for the masses, Microsoft, Apple and the rest of the operating systems would have developed something to counter Google’s new OS. They certainly have the financial and technical means to do it.

One year is a long time in the IT industry. Even now Microsoft is working on their cloud computing solution – Microsoft OfficeLive. As a matter of fact, OfficeLive has been available for quite some time now.

So, should you wait for Google Chrome OS? 2010 is still too far away right now. If you are in the market for a low cost netbook, just go out there and get one. Since Google Chrome OS is open source, you should be able to download it for free when it comes out and install it.

Since Google themselves says that the OS will be simple, I’d assume that the installation process is also simple for normal users. Hopefully..

Related reads on Google Chrome OS:

• Google Goes After Windows With Launch Of Google Chrome OS
• Google Chrome OS FAQ
• Google Chrome OS: Have People Taken Leave of  Their Senses?