Google Chrome OS already spotted? [U]
updated 08:40 am EDT, Thu July 9, 2009
Google Chrome OS Leak
(Update: proven fake) Google's just-announced Chrome OS may have already been spotted courtesy of a leak from a staffer for a part supplier for Acer, which is already confirmed as one of those producing netbooks using the new platform. Installed on an older notebook to prove it doesn't require a new PC, the private beta is extremely minimal and has a Windows 7-like taskbar with a program launch menu and running apps showing on the bar as icons. A search field can be added to the bar.
Although the entire OS is based on the Chrome web engine, the OS makes a distinction between visiting the web and between navigating the computer's own content.
The beta is very early and has had some of its planned apps stripped out due to a lack of complete testing; only Google Talk was visible. It nonetheless starts up very quickly and can perform a full reboot in 25 seconds where even faster operating systems from others can only perform a cold start in the same time. Google has already said the software is designed to be lean and run smoothly on speed-limited netbooks and nettops.
Netbooks and other systems should start shipping in the second half of 2010 and will come from Acer, ASUS, HP and Lenovo, some of which are expected to customize the systems with keys specific to Chrome OS' launch menu.
Update: the initial poster says the posting was a fake that he hadn't intended would spread to the extent it has.
Yeah,
07/09, 09:35am reply
looks real useful...
sammaffei
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2004
This is...
07/09, 10:24am reply
This is pretty great, Google takes out the low end by providing a free product, Apple hits the high end, eventually Microsoft is left with the middle where people are still cheap, but not the cheapest, and as Chrome OS grows it'll swallow up a lot of MS's customers. How many times have I heard PC users say they want something that's just good enough. I think in a lot of ways Chrome OS will be good enough.
Salty
Professional Poster
Joined: Jul 2005
@ Salty
07/09, 10:27am reply
Totally agree. For people that think that M$ will last forever........ well, forever just got a whole lot closer.
LOL
Just a thought.
en
Eldernorm
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Joined: Sep 2007
Wait, what?
07/09, 11:21am (1 reply) reply
So you're saying Google is KIA, essentially giving away cars, and Apple is akin to Lexus.. a one size fits all company where you can't get a manual transmission but you can get 4mpg with a Hyrbid?
And Microsoft is Ford, overpricing the same junk KIA sells to mindless consumers who have no idea what their needs are but know what their credit limit is?
Or have I overgeneralized it?
ibugv4
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Joined: Jun 2003
Still amazing
07/09, 12:53pm reply
I didn't realize that the only way for people to realize there was already an alternative on the low-side (read free) was for Google to come out with it.
Doesn't anyone know there is a slew of products based on Linux already out there in the world?
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
No
07/09, 12:58pm reply
Let's get one thing straight...
This is still Linux, It is not for the average user. Ubuntu is arguably the easiest Linux to use, and people still have problems with it.
We have no idea what this product is or does, so let's hold off on the M$ funeral. I think the Google OS is a good thing, and happy. It would be nice to have a very stable easy to use Linux backed by a huge, profitable organization.
dynsight
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Joined: May 2005
BTW
07/09, 01:00pm reply
Google is probably more vulnerable to a competitive product than M$. It is fairly easy to change browser, mail etc. Try, at a network business level changing OS or office suite
dynsight
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Joined: May 2005
Privacy?
07/09, 02:49pm reply
I think that Google is starving for any and all personal information - that is why they were so interested in FaceBook. I think people who blindly store all of their personal documents on the Google cloud is a dangerous thing. And, yea, despite this, I would run Ubuntu any day - it is far less limiting. With Google - you are basically stuck with a single web browser - wowowowow. Should be called FireFox OS.
OpenOSX
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Joined: Jan 2006