We hear a lot from our users and their message is clear — computers need to get better. People want to get to their email instantly, without wasting time waiting for their computers to boot and browsers to start up. They want their computers to always run as fast as when they first bought them. They want their data to be accessible to them wherever they are and not have to worry about losing their computer or forgetting to back up files. Even more importantly, they don't want to spend hours configuring their computers to work with every new piece of hardware, or have to worry about constant software updates. And any time our users have a better computing experience, Google benefits as well by having happier users who are more likely to spend time on the Internet.
This is from the announcement of Google's Chrome OS, and the criticism of Microsoft/Windows is far from subtle, not to mention dead on.However, I don't think Windows is going away any time soon - in my opinion the web community has overestimated the adoption of cloud computing (how many people do you know who use Google Docs?). Nevertheless, I do think a new future is coming - one in which very small, very inexpensive computers powered by Google OS will allow you to do almost everything you can do on a home desktop from anywhere - without the pain and agony of using Windows. I can't wait to own one.
Of course the implications are huge. Google can already read all of my email, my calendar, the websites I own and who visits them, my credit card information, what news sources and blogs I read, my blog, what I've searched for, who my friends are, videos I've created and watched, where I live - and the list goes on. Like so many others like me, I am very willing to trade my privacy (instead of money) for free, useful applications. Once I start using Google's OS, which assumedly will operate at least in part on Google's servers, the game will be completely over. They'll have whatever little information about me I haven't already given them. It's like Cosmo said, "There's a war out there, old friend. A world war. And it's not about who's got the most bullets. It's about who controls the information." Google may well win it.
Microsoft should be watching its market share nervously. Especially since their latest advertising includes blatantly lying about Internet Explorer's (IE) compatibility/speed/security issues, creating giveaway scavenger hunts with clues that can only be viewed in IE (see lies about compatibility), and giving away Nickleback songs with each download of IE (crappy, factory-produced music to go with your crappy, factory-produced software). At least their "PC Hunter" ads have got Apple on the run.
Image: Federico Fieni
Image: Federico Fieni
Not to get too geeky or anything, but I think it is important to point out that a) google chrome OS is actually just a linux distribution with a new windowing system that is supported & promoted by google. non computer people might not care about that point, but it is huge -- google is NOT creating from scratch their own "windows". they're using an existing windows competitor - linux - and putting their own look and feel on it. Also b), they've initially only targeted "netbooks". i don't doubt that they have world domination ambitions, but even if they somehow win 100% of the netbook market, they'd still be a long ways away from threatening microsoft's hold on the many magnitudes larger desktop market.
ReplyDeletei think if you're interested in reading an intelligent and absolutely brutally hilarious piece about why the google os is more hype than game changer, you should read what fake steve jobs wrote here.
As I said in the post, I do not think Google is going to to threaten Microsoft's hold on anything. And I understand the limitations of Google Chrome OS, as linked to in the post as well. But I also think Windows has become the painful system that it is by having so little competition for so long, and Google is going to help change that - in a big way. Plus, I really do think the netbook phenomenon is going places we haven't dreamed up yet.
ReplyDeleteSo I guess I'd say I almost completely agree with you, and I'm sorry if this post sounded more "Google is god" than I intended. I'm just very happy to see a company I love challenging a market-clenching giant I don't, in a big way.
I had no idea Fake Steve was blogging again! When did that happen? Is it still Dan Lyons? I will definitely check that out.
I'm an avid google docs user, but I have to admit there are still a lot of issues to be dealt with.
ReplyDeleteWow! Looks like I do know someone who uses it!
ReplyDeleteyes he is! and that article about chrome has got to be some of the best writing ever on the internet :)
ReplyDeletei use google docs too...but i live with a "google-vangelist"...he's talking all about Google Voice now...have you heard of this phone service from them?
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