Chrome OS: It's NOT a Windows replacement

Pretty much stating the obvious, but Chrome OS is no Windows, and Google would like their future customers to be aware of the fact. Three of Google’s top execs recently discussed some of the lingering questions about Chrome OS, giving us a better idea about the direction the company is taking.

First of all, they would not have Chrome OS devices confused with a Windows machine, and for those who need to run Photoshop or do any kind of heavy work, they recommend a traditional, powerful computer.

So where does Chrome OS come into the picture? Who would use it, and where? By Google’s estimate, Chrome OS netbooks will have the same place in the world as gaming consoles. Devices specialized for one specific purpose, to get you on the web, in much the same way that gaming consoles have the singular aim to get you gaming. It is entirely possible to play games on your computer, yet there is a huge market for dedicated gaming devices such as the Playstation 3, XBOX 360, or the Nintendo Wii.

The trend we see today is that devices are transitioning from mobile “phones” to tablets to netbooks to laptops and so on. It’s not always clear where to draw boundaries, because really, there are no boundaries and there shouldn’t be. Phones are computers really, just heavily specialized. As they get smarter and take on more functions, it is hard to distinguish them from computers, because, well they are computers. Calling people from a phone (read computer) is a feature provided by that computing device, as is surfing the internet, or installing applications.

In this manner Google likens their Chrome OS netbook to a smartphone with a large keyboard and screen, with a greater focus on surfing, and without the ability to make calls. It doesn’t really matter what you call it – it is an internet surfing device.

So if Chrome OS is specialized for the web, what will it have to offer that improves that experience? Google is trying very hard to create a new web-based platform that will rival most native uses. They will try to create a simple yet flexible system of defining content associations, while still giving users choice. So you could configure your .DOC and .XLS files to open in Google Docs, your image files could open in a web application of your choice, or be added to your Picasa web album, or even put into an USB drive. Google wants to get this done right, and avoid some pains that users of Windows have become used to.

By having everything in the browser, you end up with a much simpler model. Every webpage, document, or application is a browser tab, making managing them all much easier.

However, the web can be criticized to be a slow experience. Chrome OS’ lack of native applications makes it difficult for some of the more common heavy tasks such as viewing HD videos difficult, and makes for a slower internet experience especially since the OS is intended to be run on lower power devices.

That said, Google is not going to ignore the media aspect of the device, and you’ll be able to plug in a pen drive with media files such as MP3s and have them play in the integrated media player application, which is of course going to be browser based. The same application will be able to handle any media you get as GMail attachments.

In the end what Google hopes to have in your hand is an internet device which will make using the web a simple matter of switching on your Chrome OS device, no waiting at all. Need to make a call? Pick up your mobile phone. Want to play a video game? Pick up your Wii remote. And if you want to access the internet in all its glory, switch on your Chrome OS device.

If you have a question about the new Chrome OS, please do not hesitate to call us at 682-4990 or Email Us.