Google To Launch Chrome Operating System in 2010

Google will be launching its own operating system named as Chrome OS. Google blog has declared that it would be available in mid-2010 for netbooks.

Following the launch of Chrome, the internet browser it was suspected that Google will try to push itself more into PC based applications. However, Google has taken direct challenge with Microsoft by publicizing its coming Operating System. Listing out important points from Google blog announcement:

• Emphasis mainly on three aspects: speed, simplicity and security.

• The Chrome OS will run both on x86 and ARM Architectures.

• Will use Linux kernel with a new windowing system.

• New OS is different from Android, as it was made for mobile phones and set-top boxes while Chrome OS is for netizens.

• It would be open-source and light-weight operating system.

• Google attention is on web application developers and they state that web-based applications is the future as they could run on Chrome OS, Windows and Mac giving them largest number of customers.

• Viruses won’t bother and Chrome OS would be highly customizable (since its open-source).

• Firefox could be expected as first application of Chrome OS as google accounts for 88% of Mozilla’s revenue.[source] Dont know what role chrome browser will play?

• Chrome OS will have a minimalist user interface, leaving most space on the screen to applications.

• Interestingly, Microsoft had also announced few months ago about MS Gazelle, a web browser as multi-principle operating System. [source] Sounds similar to Chrome OS to me.

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For coming HTML5 technology, you can expect lot more applications running at browser giving a definite advantage to web based OS. It could be considered as Linux + new windowing system +  Chrome browser.