Google to launch own OS

[james]

Chrome OS story on BBC

Chrome OS story on El Reg

Another challenge to clunky ol' Windows is more than welcome in my view. Wonder if it will take off?

[Scriptage]

I would imagine that it would not take off. It will face the same problems as Linux based operating systems.

[jameson]

Chrome OS actually is Linux-based, too. I think it'll have an advantage over OS's like Ubuntu, though, because they're planning on shipping it with Netbooks.

[LeadMagnet]

Don't forget scriptage, google have real resources. Linux nerds had relatively little by comparison. Money can make it work and they have it.

[thom0975]

Chrome OS actually is Linux-based, too. I think it'll have an advantage over OS's like Ubuntu, though, because they're planning on shipping it with Netbooks.

Eh... Netbooks ship with Ubuntu on them now, too... And STILL more people pony up the extra $50 to have XP put on 'em.

With Windows 7 on the horizon, I don't think it'll be too much of a win in the consumer sector- most consumers would rather have one OS on everything they own... Hell, I know I would.

It'll be a fun experiment- and a neat-o new flavor of Linux distros- but that's about it I'm afraid.

[Scriptage]

Don't forget scriptage, google have real resources. Linux nerds had relatively little by comparison. Money can make it work and they have it.

All the money in the world isn't going to make Fifa 09 natively available on Google's O/S which is why they will fail.

[james]

I think it's a shame that mainstream computing is stifled by MS though. I can't see it succeeding either as windows / office / iexplorer is ubiquitous with the computer to the man on the street...

[Amusekd]

I found this blog entry to be worth reading What Google Chrome OS Means for Computing | Zen Habits. While I agree with the above comments that competing with Microsoft will be an uphill battle, Google has done some amazing things. I personally use gmail, google docs, youtube, google maps, google reader, etc. etc. I don't think they are specifically vying for a fight with Microsoft, they have their own agenda. The only thing I run natively on my Windows home desktop are Adobe programs, I understand other computer users have different needs but I will be part of the audience that is patiently awaiting what Google has to unveil.

[LeadMagnet]

All the money in the world isn't going to make Fifa 09 natively available on Google's O/S

Why not?

[Scriptage]

I suppose that was a bit of a short sighted comment really. Must have been the Newcastle Brown talking...