Google tipped to release Chrome OS this week

David Flynn
16 November 2009, 8:00 AM


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The lightweight open source operating system is expected to make its debut sometime this week, with ‘out of the box’ support for a wide range of Atom netbooks expected.


Google is set to turn the mainstream desktop OS war into a three horse race this week, with TechCrunch tipping that Chrome OS is about to make its debut.

Google originally promised the open source OS would be released before year’s end, and there’s a good change it won’t even be lumbered with the perennial ‘beta’ tag.

The lightweight operating system is “initially targeted at netbooks”, Google says, and partners in the development stage include Intel, Acer, ASUS, HP, Lenovo and Toshiba.

It’s therefore not unreasonable top expect that Chrome 1.0 will ship complete with drivers to suit most netbooks, given that these tend to be built around a common platform and drawing from a fairly small pool of components.

Interestingly, this would also extend Chrome’s support to Atom-based desktops, including the wave of all-in-one designs we’ve seen from the likes of Asus, Lenovo, MSI and Viewsonic.

Chrome will also run on ARM chips, opening the door to its use on ‘smartbooks’ with inbuilt 3G connectivity.

“Speed, simplicity and security” are Google’s mantra for Chrome, with the company saying the OS is “designed to be fast and lightweight, to start up and get you onto the Web in a few seconds. The user interface is minimal to stay out of your way, and most of the user experience takes place on the Web.”

“And we are going back to the basics and completely redesigning the underlying security architecture of the OS so that users don't have to deal with viruses, malware and security updates. It should just work.”

The basic architecture is believed to be a Linux kernel which quickly boots into a modified version of the Chrome browser – because, according to Google, “Chrome OS is being created for people who spend most of their time on the Web”.

For developers writing for Chrome the Web becomes the platform, with Web technology such as AJAX creates the entire user interface. This will not only tap into online apps but also Web apps with local storage, using Google Gears to work in both offline and online modes.


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Aubrey (New user):

"Chrome will also run on ARM chips"

This is good news for me. I bought an ARM MID (The SmartQ 5) and have been playing with alternative OSs. It came with Android and there are Ubuntu and Mer ports available as well as Windows ME. Frankly, none of them make it very useful. Andoid is clearly a phone OS and much less impressive than I was lead to believe), Ubuntu is too clunky and Mer is "unfinished" and buggy. None work particularly well with on-screen keyboards (although my age, eyesight and impatience may be the root cause of this).

I really hope Google get this right. MIDs are close to useless (except as cool toys) without a really good OS and apps that are designed for the little screen and low power processors. At least they are cheap.

16 November 2009, 9:43 AM (3 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend reply

Raindog (New user):

Quoting Aubrey:
MIDs are close to useless (except as cool toys)

That's the crux of it, like, full sized tablets and netbooks I can think of a few applications where these devices are a great fit but after those few its more a case of creating a need rather than solving one.

I agree that a well crafted OS is essential for success, I just have question about the level of need.

Out of curiousity, did you have any prospective use for the MID or was it more of a case of a cool thing to have?

Newton died a natural, most netbooks are destined for the desk drawer. Why would you carry a MID when so much of its functionality is mimmicked in some form or other by a smartphone. (and yes some of those actuall make calls too). Same applies for the tablet PC, why delete a keyboard when it just deletes functionality. Lugging any of these things almost always involves lugging the the power brick and all the custom cables so in the end of the day you may as well lug a notebook.

16 November 2009, 12:13 PM (3 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend reply

Aubrey (New user):

Quoting Raindog:
Out of curiousity, did you have any prospective use for the MID or was it more of a case of a cool thing to have?


Yes, coolness is a feature! I bought it out of curiosity and to play with different OSs and Linux desktops on an ARM-based machine. It is a cheap "rooted" (!) device so no cracking was involved. While I'm tempted by Android smartphones, I really can't justify spending so much money on a locked device and my mobile service is already paid for by someone else (you, actually).

I'm sure I'll find a use for it eventually, but in the meantime I'm happy to hack around and post reports on various Linux forums where people are interested in this sort of thing.

When I first bought a netbook, I had much the same "use" in mind. It turns out I now use it quite a lot. I won't be writing The Great Australian Novel on my little Dell (I ended up physically hacking my Acer One to death), but it is fine for keeping up with online discussions, reading web pages and checking email.

I leave my netook plugged in and turned on sitting on the coffee table in my loungeroom. It is surprising how often I come in and find someone using it. Thankfully it usually a family member or someone I know.


17 November 2009, 10:02 AM (3 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend reply

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