Chrome OS' open source pays off, NVIDIA Ion now supported

As you might have read earlier (here), Hexxeh released another build of Chrome OS, named Flow. I covered the major new features of this open-source release, but one such feature warrants another look.

Hexxeh built in NVIDIA Ion graphics support ino Flow, with full hardware acceleration. This is one of the first major signs that Google's choice to make Chrome OS' source code open is paying off. Without open source, Chrome OS would not support NVIDIA Ion, unless Google chose to do so. And if Google didn't want to do that, Ion users would be left out in the cold. But, thanks to Hexxeh, Ion users can rejoice and Chrome OS is a stronger operating system in the end.

If Google wants Chrome OS to take on the big dogs, this might be just the way to do it. While Google's own devs are hard at work making the system better, there are also developers like Hexxeh out there doing the same thing. As they always say, the more the merrier!

Should Apple and Microsoft be afraid of Chrome OS?

Eric Goh, of egoh.com, has an interesting slant on Chrome OS and its effect on the OS landscape. He wagers that Google's new operating system should have the big players scrambling to get something together. Because, as Goh puts it, "a simple browser based OS that is self-updating and relatively secure would solve 95% of the issues people contact me about".

Goh touches on a point I had in a recent article (which you can read here: How Chrome OS will change computers as we know them).  Chrome OS, when it is production ready, could supplant current Windows and Apple OS' for many users. These users simply want to use the web and Internet for daily routines. They rarely need to edit an image more than resizing it, they don't develop software, and they withhold from heavy video-editing. Chrome OS is perfect for what they need to do. And it will keep them out of virus and malware troubles.

So even though you see many pieces in the blogosphere with authors complaining that Chrome OS is too weak, you don't see your cousin and grandmother writing that the new OS can't do what they want. Because it can and it likely will, if the big dogs don't come up with something fast.

You can read Mr. Goh's post in its entirety here: Google Chrome OS - Microsoft and Apple should be worried

HTC and Google to make Chrome OS tablet

Rumors are coming in that HTC and Google are collaborating to make a tablet PC. HTC is the mobile device manufacturer behind such gadgets as the myTouch 3G, T-Mobile's G1 and the upcoming Nexus One. It is inferred that the tablet from the two companies will be running Google's Chrome OS and might be shown off at this year's Consumer Electronics Show.

[Via Examiner.com]

Google looking to make their own Chrome OS netbook

If you follow the Internet-bred rumours, then you might be looking forward to a supposed Google-released Chrome OS netbook. This differs from previous assumptions that Chrome OS netbooks will be produced and badged by computer manufacturing companies. For example, we were expecting netbooks made by the likes of MSI and Dell, or even the first announced Acer Chrome OS netbook. We didn't expect Google to contract out their own machine build and make a "Google Netbook". However, that is exactly what some recent whisperings are pointing to.

I see this as the perfect long-run marketing move by the search engine company. If Google wants something that people will be flocking to buy, they need to make it perfect. And what better way to make the perfect netbook than tightly controlling how it is built? If Google makes their own Chrome OS netbook, they will be able to dictate exactly how it is made and how it runs. They won't have to rely on HP or ASUS to make a netbook that runs Chrome OS like a champ.

This is a page straight from the book of Apple. The Cupertino-based company has never let another computer manufacturer make a Mac computer. There has never been an officially backed machine running Mac OS that wasn't completely planned out by Apple. And look where they are now: Leading desktop computer sales in October of 2009. And I dare you to find me a Mac doesn't run Mac OS perfectly. This is the future of a Google netbook running a Google operating system.

So what do you think? Is a Google-produced Chrome OS netbook a good idea? Or will the Google end up crawling back to what it does best, powering your searches and serving ads? Let us know in the comments?

Opera wants to put their browser in Chrome OS

It's obvious that Chrome OS will be (and already somewhat is) revolutionary to the world of computers. The operating system from Google will change the industry drastically if it gains popularity, and it looks like it will. However, there are still a few missing pieces of the puzzle for some users.

For example, what if I want to run an application that isn't a web application? What if I don't really want to use the Chrome web browser? Chrome is quick and efficient, but some people are accustomed to another browser and don't want to change. Well, Opera's chief standards officer, Charles McCathieNevile, says that won't be a problem, especially if you want to user the Opera browser instead of Chrome.

Opera says that they will be able to stick their browser in Chrome OS as an addon to Chrome. Then users will be able to use their familiar Opera browser functions and still enjoy a solid, fast Chrome OS. Opera seems to be doing exactly what software companies should do when the face of their industry changes. And that is develop new ways to remain part of the computing equation. Instead of shouting that Chrome OS will be a failure, why not stick your product or service in it and continue on with life?

So what do you think? Let us know in the comments!

First Chrome OS Netbook

The news that Acer will be the first manufacturer to release a Chrome OS netbook is making the rounds about the interwebs. The world's second largest computer manufacturer (HP is number one) has announced that it is backing Google's Chrome OS and plans to ship a netbook featuring the system.

They haven't announced what the hardware will consist of, but I have to agree with Kevin Tofel over at jkOnTheRun.com. He proposes that Acer should wrap that Chrome OS around an ARM-based machine, which is a great idea. Think about it: Chrome OS is web-based, so users will be doing a lot of web browsing, which I do anyways. With its top-notch web-browser, the iPhone and iPod Touch are great little browsing machines. And they're powered by ARM CPUs. Also, they feature impressive battery life while browsing.

So think of a small-form notebook with ~15-hour battery life and a bigger screen than the iPhone for doing all your in-browser action. Sounds like a winner to me. And if Acer doesn't step up, I know another manufacturer will, so it's only a matter of time.

As for Acer's machine, the Taiwan-based company says it will be available to consumers in the second half of 2010.

Would You Take a Free Netbook From Google?

Linuxjournal.com is running a story putting forth the idea of a subsidized Chrome OS netbook from Google. The cool think about the idea is that they are pondering a fully-subsidized (a.k.a. free!) netbook. The piece predicts that, without the need for an expensive hard drive, and with the falling prices of netbooks, Google could potentially validate the giving of free netbooks that run Chrome OS.

At first glance, this seems to be a great idea. Well, at second and third glance it's great, if you ask me. Who wouldn't want a free netbook computer? As the article predicts, this would completely flip the market for computers. Instead of paying $300 for a new netbook, you could get one for nothing, if you are willing to use Chrome OS. And at this point, I could say that I am. However, there is potential for Google to ruin this "free Chrome OS netbook".

So how would Google make money on this, you ask? We all know Google is in business for something, and employees have to be paid. Well, I would predict that they would implement well-placed advertisements throughout the system. You may say that this would be annoying, but I would bet that it would be tolerable if they are not "mandatory" ads like Apple is patenting. Nothing that a user must click on or interact with continuously to use the Chrome OS netbook.

I say if they played this right, a free Chrome OS netbook from Google could put them at the forefront of next-generation mobile computing. But only if they do it right, which is a long shot in many cases. What do you think about this? Would you take a free netbook with Chrome OS on it? A ad-supported netbook? Let us know in the comments!

The Future Will Unfold as It Does: Chrome OS and Android to Merge

Since Chrome OS was announced, many have questioned how it will relate to Google's mobile operating system, Android. Some commentators say it will harm the company's goals, a so-called splintering of strategies, too many closely-related products. Others say the two systems will compliment one another and produce a thriving ecosystem.

Recently, the question was put to Google's CEO, Eric Schmidt. His response? "The future will unfold as it does."A good and mystical answer from the top of the search giant.

Google's official response to this question is:

"[W]e're reaching a perfect storm of converging trends where computers are behaving more like mobile devices, and phones are behaving more like small computers. Having two open source operating systems from Google provides both users and device manufacturers with more choice and helps contribute a wealth of new code to the open source community."

The official response seems to hold more water, albeit not as yoda-worthy. Google seems to be counting on the fact that mobile phones and laptops are going to migrate towards one another in terms of form and functionality. This reveals the near-perfect placement of Chrome OS' abilities. Google has produced an operating system that some call "too simple" or "not powerful enough" However, I would argue that it is just simple enough and not over-powered.

As mobile devices become more powerful, many users will find that they can do much of their daily computing on them. And with the maturation of web applications, many will find that they do not necessarily need a strong desktop computer to complete tasks. This is where Chrome OS comes in. With it, users will find that their needs are met almost perfectly, without the need to buy expensive hardware.

I do realize that there is and will continue to be a market segment that needs powerful workstations. There are multimedia editors and scientists that need high-end to supercomputer systems and Chrome OS will not suffice. However, this is a small niche in the computer industry and Google is not targeting it. 

Many people are also worried about how the two systems, Chrome OS and Android, will actually merge. Will it be messy and confusing for customers? Will it turn out to be a Frankenstein of an operating system, not fit for mobile devices or laptops? I don't think so. I think the merge will have plenty of time to happen naturally. As mobile devices become more powerful, they will be able to handle a system much like what Chromium OS (the open-source version of Chrome OS) is today. And that's what will be sold with them. It seems as though it will be more of a merge involving mobile devices and Chrome OS, with Android bridging the time between.

What do you think? Will the Android/ Chrome OS merge be a mess? Or will it produce a beautifully simple yet functional system to rule computing for the next decade? Let us know in the comments!

Google to Hold Event This Thursday Showcasing Chrome OS

The Washington Post sends us word that Google will be holding a Chrome OS event this Thursday, the 19th of November. The event will supposedly involve a "complete overview" of Google's much-anticipated operating system. There will also be more details regarding the release of Chrome OS on netbooks and other hardware next year.

The Post insinuates that next year's launch on specific hardware will be the "complete" launch, making this week's event more of a mere showing. I think earlier predictions of a public beta will hold true and Google should be making Chrome OS available as a download soon after Thursday's event.

The event will be held at Google's California headquarters with Sundar Pichai, Vice President of Product Management at Google, doing the heavy talking. So what do you think? Will we get our hands on the magical Chrome OS the day after tomorrow? Let us hear it in the comments below!

[Via The Washington Post]

Techradar: 10 Things to Know About Google Chrome OS

Techradar.com has an interesting piece about Chrome OS. It covers 10 things that they think you should know about the upcoming operating system. We thought the question "So Microsoft need not worry about competition for Windows 7 then?" was interesting. We would say that MS most definitely does need to worry about Chrome OS. Techradar says "On the plus side for Microsoft, it will have at least 9 months to get market share and persuade people that they don't need an alternative to Windows 7." And they're going to need those 9 months.

Judging from our experience with Windows 7 (which you can read about here), in 9 months people are going to be clawing to get away from Microsoft's prettied-up Vista. It may sound cynical and like we hate Microsoft and Windows, but it's true. We're betting there will be plenty of users looking to Chrome OS to end their buggy, virus-ridden OS days. So check it out, and leave us a comment of anything other predictions about Chrome OS: 10 Things to Know About Google Chrome OS