Google Launching Google Chrome Operating System
An Introduction to Google OS for Netbooks
Aug 8, 2009
It is common knowledge that Google has always been waging a fierce battle against Microsoft and the latest Google Chrome OS that harps on ‘Speed, simplicity and security’ is yet another weapon from Google arsenal. The company claims that “Google Chrome OS is an open source, lightweight operating system that will initially be targeted at netbooks”.
Google Chrome OS has been designed to run on both x86 and ARM chips and it is reported that Google is planning to shortly bring into the market a number of netbooks.
Google Chrome is meant for users who are addicted to the web - searching for information or checking email or eager to know the updated news, shopping or communicating with friends.
Need for Google Chrome OS
Market analysts opine that in as much as Microsoft is trying to weaken Google’s tenacious hold on the search engine market, Google is all set to ride roughshod over Microsoft in the Windows-controlled market.
Google Chrome OS will boot quickly, have a minimal interface and specially intended for users who spend a lot of time on the web. Google Chrome has been launched into the market after recognizing browsers are no longer confined to rendering web pages but extended to several web applications.
There is therefore a clear need for browsers to be more powerful and stable. Most users experience difficulty with the existing browsers as a web page can lock the browser and there is no way to isolate that tab and close it. Google Chrome uses a new process for each tab.
Google says the OS is designed to be speedy and light weight and carry the user onto the web within a few seconds of clicking the power button. Experts say the Google Chrome Operating System will finally make netbook more meaningful.
Google Chrome OS and Android
There is a widespread criticism in the market as to why Google should come out with a new Internet-centric OS for netbooks when Android mobile OS for netbooks is already present in the market. Google however maintains that that Chrome OS is different from Android mobile OS with a separate design and not meant to replace Android.
But many users are not willing to buy this argument and wonder why Google should not adapt Android for netbooks and PCs, especially when some developers have already ported the OS to netbooks.
Some Android developers concede that it makes sense to have Google Chrome OS alongside Android because Android running on netbooks has its shortcomings. But the larger question is what happens to Google's long-term commitment to Android.
The company is yet to fully justify its decision to create a different OS for netbooks rather than further develop the still new Android that is struggling to compete against Apple's iPhone and other smartphones.
Although Google already has the Android operating system, Chrome OS is a separate project based around a lightweight Linux kernel and a new window system. There is the valid argument that Android is designed primarily for touch-screen devices, whereas most netbooks still have a keyboard that demands a different operating system.
Google has not openly spelt out how much it would charge for the operating system but market expects Google to charge only a nominal fee or even make it free as the company's philosophy has been to earn revenue from connecting applications and advertising.
Also read Jace's article Google Chrome Operating System to get another preview.
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