Google to launch operating system

[Revs]

Google is developing an operating system (OS) for personal computers, in a direct challenge to market leader Microsoft and its Windows system.

Google Chrome OS will be aimed initially at netbooks, the low-cost portable computers that have turned the PC world upside down.

Google said netbooks with Chrome OS could be on sale by the middle of 2010.

"Speed, simplicity and security are the key aspects of Google Chrome OS," said the company in a blog.

The news could also be a blow to the open source Linux operating system, which had taken an early lead on netbooks, but then lost out to Microsoft's elderly Windows XP.

For Microsoft the news comes just months before it launches the latest version of its operating system, called Windows 7.

'Back to basics'

"We're designing the OS to be fast and lightweight, to start up and get you onto the web in a few seconds," said the blog post written by Sundar Pichai, vice president of product management, and Google's engineering director Linus Upson.

Both men said that "the operating systems that browsers run on were designed in an era where there was no web" and that this OS is "our attempt to re-think what operating systems should be".

To that end, the search giant said the new OS would go back to basics.

"We are completely redesigning the underlying security architecture of the OS so that users don't have to deal with viruses, malware and security updates.

"It should just work," said Google.

Google already has an operating system for mobile phones called Android which can also be used to run on netbooks. Google Chrome OS will be aimed not just at laptops but also at desktops for those who spend a lot of time on the web.

"Truly competitive"

The announcement could dramatically change the market for operating systems, especially for Microsoft, the biggest player with around 90% share.

"This announcement is huge," said Rob Enderle, industry watcher and president of the Enderle Group.

"This is the first time we have had a truly competitive OS on the market in years. This is potentially disruptive and is the first real attempt by anyone to go after Microsoft.

"Google is coming at this fresh and, because it is based on a set of services that reside on the web, it is the first really post web operating system, designed from the ground up, and reconceived for a web world," Mr Enderle told the BBC.

Last year Google launched the Chrome browser, which it said was designed for "people who live on the web - searching for information, checking email, catching up on the news, shopping or just staying in touch with friends."

Stephen Shankland at CNET said the move had widespread implications.

"One is that it shows just how serious Google is about making the web into a foundation not just for static pages but for active applications, notably its own such as Google Docs and G-mail.

"Another: it opens new competition with Microsoft and, potentially, a new reason for anti-trust regulators to pay close attention to Google's moves."

Some commentators said Google's motivation in all this was pretty clear.

"One of Google's major goals is to take Microsoft out, to systematically destroy their hold on the market," said Mr Enderle.

"Google wants to eliminate Microsoft and it's a unique battle. The strategy is good. The big question is, will it work?"

At the popular blog, TechCrunch, MG Siegler said "Let's be clear on what this really is. This is Google dropping the mother of all bombs on its rival, Microsoft."

Microsoft releases Windows 7 later this year to replace Windows Vista and Windows XP which is eight years old.

The Redmond based company claims that 96% of netbooks run Windows to date.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8139711.stm

[Revs]

EDIT by ViN86:
Threads combined :)

EDIT by Revs:
Cheers ViN ;)

[crainger]

Yeah. I think this is the superior thread. Mouse and Keyboard control, better graphics, low res textures though...

[glObalist]

If this can somehow run windows apps, or if developers can somehow magically adapt quickly, I'm all for it.

[Revs]

Yeah. I think this is the superior thread. Mouse and Keyboard control, better graphics, low res textures though...

Yeah sorry about that Cringer, I'll try sort some HD piX0lz for ya ;)

If this can somehow run windows apps, or if developers can somehow magically adapt quickly, I'm all for it.

I see no reason to not want this on the market either. The more the better IMO, it can only be good for the consumer; maybe a bit more competition for MS?

[a12ctic]

Who thinks that Chrome OS will be based heavily off Moblin?

Any other speculation? What do you guys think about google finally releasing a desktop OS?

[zoomy942]

i kinda hope not. i tried out Moblin and honestly, it felt like a child OS. no customization options... very stripped down...

[crainger]

Lets be honest. Chrome is a nice light browser, if they bring the same concept across to an OS, then it would be the perfect gamer OS IF they can get the software support. On the other hand, Windows 7 has already proven itself to be a lot lighter than Vista (though not much faster for games much to Vista credit).

[hell_of_doom227]

Google Browser = Google Apps = Utter Crap to be honest, and Google OS is going to be a crap as well. It's Linux based and it's :thumbdwn:

[ViN86]

If this can somehow run windows apps, or if developers can somehow magically adapt quickly, I'm all for it.

Well this is aimed at netbooks for the time being, so I don't really see the need for it (yet).

Google Browser = Google Apps = Utter Crap to be honest, and Google OS is going to be a crap as well. It's Linux based and it's :thumbdwn:

So just cause it's linux based it's bad? LOL contrary to popular belief, ignorance isn't bliss my friend.

[Zelda_fan]

About a year ago I predicted this.

Basically, i'm the ****ing man.

[ViN86]

About a year ago I predicted this.

Basically, i'm the ****ing man.

So you're the top .05% of smarts too? God must have give you a thimble for a penis to make up for the smarts and the good looks.

[bacon12]

:lol2:

[crainger]

Zelda is a complete package guys. We should be honored he graces these forums with his presence. I will hear no more anti Zelda sentiments.

Translation to Bigman:

Zelda is a compliment pakage vim. We should be honned he gracses these furoms with his presents. I will listen no more to hear the anti Zelda sediments. shuvmens

[hell_of_doom227]

Well this is aimed at netbooks for the time being, so I don't really see the need for it (yet).



So just cause it's linux based it's bad? LOL contrary to popular belief, ignorance isn't bliss my friend.


Linux is an absolutely useless operating system for average Joe. Linux is where was it 20 years ago, nowhere. Google will be Linux based OS which means. No Gaming, limited Hardware Support, Web based Apps which means useless for dialup areas = FAILURE.
Google Desktop Search = Failure
Google Apps in general = Failure

They should stick with what they do the best and that's Search. I still preffer mapquest over google maps.

Todays is absolutely pointless to build new OS having OSX and Windows and so many distros of Linux around unless you're doing it from scratch. It took 20+ years for Microsoft to get where they are at so it's not gonna happen.

I also predict that JAVA will completely die. Last remnant of JAVA based apps will be on pocket devices only.

[six_storm]

Linux is an absolutely useless operating system for average Joe. Linux is where was it 20 years ago, nowhere. Google will be Linux based OS which means. No Gaming, limited Hardware Support, Web based Apps which means useless for dialup areas = FAILURE.
Google Desktop Search = Failure
Google Apps in general = Failure

They should stick with what they do the best and that's Search. I still preffer mapquest over google maps.

Todays is absolutely pointless to build new OS having OSX and Windows and so many distros of Linux around unless you're doing it from scratch. It took 20+ years for Microsoft to get where they are at so it's not gonna happen.

I don't think Linux is useless, but I do agree that it not ready for the average Joe. Linux is for the hardcore geek and that's about it. I still have trouble sometimes messing around with it. But that's why we have Windows and OS X, simpler, better and easier to use. ;)

Remember hell, we are talking about a netbook OS, not a desktop OS. Netbooks are for the simple web-based apps and office apps, nothing more. And while Google's OS may look great and may be based on Linux, I would expect a stable OS, especially coming from a company like Google.

[hell_of_doom227]

I don't think Linux is useless, but I do agree that it not ready for the average Joe. Linux is for the hardcore geek and that's about it. I still have trouble sometimes messing around with it. But that's why we have Windows and OS X, simpler, better and easier to use. ;)

Remember hell, we are talking about a netbook OS, not a desktop OS. Netbooks are for the simple web-based apps and office apps, nothing more. And while Google's OS may look great and may be based on Linux, I would expect a stable OS, especially coming from a company like Google.


Web based app will be complete failure in Dial Up Areas. Outside of US, there are a lot more dial up areas then cable areas. Linux is good for server environment, desktop not so much. Btw since Google OS is just another Linux distribution but it got that Google sticker on it, reminds me of Obama syndrom. When Obama becomes a president we will be all rich :p

[Revs]

http://tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:0LfyHNoNA6P6BM:http://i42.tinypic.com/zjux5g.jpg

Good news everyone..

Hardware makers support Google OS

Google has announced which hardware firms have pledged to build machines that will run its Chrome OS.

The search giant said it was working with many firms on Chrome OS hardware including Acer, Asus, Freescale, Hewlett-Packard, Lenovo, and Toshiba.

The software is designed to work with the web and Google said it was most likely to appear on smaller portable computers known as netbooks.

The browser-based operating system will be released to the public in 2010.

Web futures

In a blog post announcing the hardware partners, Google said that the code for the Chrome OS would be open sourced in late 2009. Google said that the software will be free to download and use.

The first netbooks that can run the software will be ready in late 2010. Since Asus launched the first netbook the cut-down computers have proved hugely popular.

Analyst firm Gartner predicts that 80% more netbooks will be sold in 2009 than sold in 2008. However, so far, the small computers only make up 8% of the total PC market.

The Chrome OS will be designed to work with Intel chips that appear in the vast majority of desktop PCs, laptops and netbooks as well as the Arm chips that power most of the world's mobile phones. Texas Instruments and Qualcomm, who both build devices based around Arm chips, were also unveiled as partners on the Chrome OS project.

In a blog post announcing some of the hardware partners, Google also said it was working with Adobe on the operating system. This could turn out to be significant because of the wide use of Adobe's Flash software.

Flash is used to power many multimedia websites but Adobe has been working hard to extend its capabilities via the Air technology and make it more web-centric too. Microsoft is developing its Silverlight technology to do a similar job.

http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8141964.stm

[ViN86]

Linux is an absolutely useless operating system for average Joe. Linux is where was it 20 years ago, nowhere. Google will be Linux based OS which means. No Gaming, limited Hardware Support, Web based Apps which means useless for dialup areas = FAILURE.
Google Desktop Search = Failure
Google Apps in general = Failure

They should stick with what they do the best and that's Search. I still preffer mapquest over google maps.

Todays is absolutely pointless to build new OS having OSX and Windows and so many distros of Linux around unless you're doing it from scratch. It took 20+ years for Microsoft to get where they are at so it's not gonna happen.

I also predict that JAVA will completely die. Last remnant of JAVA based apps will be on pocket devices only.

Maybe you should re-read the OP. Here, let me quote it and give you the important points in bold:

Google is developing an operating system (OS) for personal computers, in a direct challenge to market leader Microsoft and its Windows system.

Google Chrome OS will be aimed initially at netbooks, the low-cost portable computers that have turned the PC world upside down.

Google said netbooks with Chrome OS could be on sale by the middle of 2010.

"Speed, simplicity and security are the key aspects of Google Chrome OS," said the company in a blog.

AIMED INITIALLY AT NETBOOKS. Since when are you gaming on a netbook? According to the article, we won't see an OS from Google aimed at the desktop for years.

Say whatever you want, but Google is an amazing company and I wish them the best.

Furthermore, I don't understand why people continue to want a monopoly in the OS market... MS makes ok products but they are by no means the absolute best and there is always room for improvement.

[zoomy942]

i like linux. people who say it sucks havent gotten past their Windows Withdrawls.

[ViN86]

i like linux. people who say it sucks havent gotten past their Windows Withdrawls.

Typically people who say it sucks have never even used it. Or they installed it once and then found they didn't know how to do anything so they said "0h 7h15 suX0rZ!!!" instead of actually attempting to learn something.

[zoomy942]

Typically people who say it sucks have never even used it. Or they installed it once and then found they didn't know how to do anything so they said "0h 7h15 suX0rZ!!!" instead of actually attempting to learn something.

agreed. I am not a windows hater at all. just prefer something else. you are totally right. you dont interact with Linux like you do with windows so automatically it has to be tha sUx!

[ViN86]

agreed. I am not a windows hater at all. just prefer something else. you are totally right. you dont interact with Linux like you do with windows so automatically it has to be tha sUx!

When I first used Linux I was like "WTF I CANT DO ANYTHING!" haha. Then I started learning about unix commands, and started talking to people on IRC and eventually, I got the thing working great.

I also installed Quake 3 and RTCW (this was about 6 years ago now lol) and I found that the games actually ran better on Linux than Windows :lol:

This was all with an ATI video card too. Omg talk about a nightmare haha.

[zoomy942]

When I first used Linux I was like "WTF I CANT DO ANYTHING!" haha. Then I started learning about unix commands, and started talking to people on IRC and eventually, I got the thing working great.

I also installed Quake 3 and RTCW (this was about 6 years ago now lol) and I found that the games actually ran better on Linux than Windows :lol:

This was all with an ATI video card too. Omg talk about a nightmare haha.

haha. yeah, old linux was a mess. newer revisions keep getting better. Fedora 11 is beautiful and ubuntu 9.04 is very well done. Now Moblin, that Intel distro, while still in beta felt like a toy. It was just too limited and felt like i had taken a PC from toys R Us and started using it.

[Thunderbolt56]

Linux based systems can do some things exponentially better than any iteration of Windows could ever hope to do and do it with less (resources).Until there is greater, more broadscale adoption, though, it will always be a very small, niche market for the IT geek.

If Google's new creation helps build the parity in the OS arena, I'm all for it. Only time will tell though.

I'm typing this in Win7 x64. :headexplode:


TB