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Computex News: Google Chrome OS in Fall 2010

Google Chrome OS

As if Computex had not already had enough big announcements between all of the tablets, from Asus and netbooks from MSI, Google has added their announcement to the mix. Their highly publicized operating system (not Android, the other one) will be released in Fall of 2010.

Chrome OS, a truly web-based operating system, should start appearing in netbooks before the end of the year, according to Google. Not only will it launch this fall (between September 22 and December 21), but Google expects millions of people to use it right away.

While it remains to be seen if their enthusiasm is warranted (like Android and YouTube) or completely wishful thinking (like Google Answers or Orkut), one thing we know for sure is that Google’s influence  is wide-reaching, even with its failures.

Chrome OS is a Linux-based operating system like Android, but instead of a desktop and resident applications, it relies completely on the Chrome web browser to load web applications, specifically Google’s. The theory behind it is that many mobile users (i.e. netbook users) use, or at least should use, cloud applications to do their work.

That may happen, especially if Google gets enough netbook manufacturers to buy into their scheme and ship their devices with Chrome OS installed. What might unfortunately happen, however, is that netbook manufacturers will give their users a choice between Windows 7, which they will highly recommend, or Chrome OS, a nice “alternative” operating system.  If that happens, Chrome OS may be doomed to obscurity.

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I am a librarian with 8 years of experience in information architecture, technology, free and open source software, and electronic publishing. I have written hundreds of articles on topics ranging from information technology to politics. I also write fiction novels, short stories, and fables.

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