Google's Chrome OS just a week away from launch?
By Darren Murph 
posted Nov 13th 2009 8:27AM
posted Nov 13th 2009 8:27AM
We'd heard last month that this month was the month that Google would finally launch its highly-anticipated Chrome OS, and now we've got a "reliable source" over at TechCrunch asserting that the software is gearing up for launch "within a week." Granted, we can't ever be too certain when it comes to a rumor such as this, but if the system really does hit the wilds, we probably won't see it available for every machine on the face of the planet. The presumed Alpha build will likely only support a select few products that Google engineers have had a chance to specifically work with -- possibly something such as an Eee PC netbook, which has generally the same specifications regardless of design or model number. Either way, we'd go ahead and prepare ourselves for something new before the end of November -- but don't let it spoil your holidays should things get pushed back a bit, okay?
I want to try this out
Its just a Copy of linux..meh.
Will Crysis run on it?
Come on guys, it was so much fun making those Crysis comments, let's bring back the tradition.
I even wanted to attend the Engadget meeting in NYC and publicly ask if this latest device will play Crysis.
Do you know what linux is? linux is a kernal which is open source so ANYBODY can base an os off of it like android or ubuntu or i think webOS even. In fact this is what the linux foundation WANTS to get a partner like google.
and a tightly controlled, very slimmed down linux at that... but it will be interesting to see what Google does to make it interesting and how they integrate with their browser. So ya... I might have to boot this up on my Eee PC
> ...Come on guys, it was so much fun making those Crysis comments, let's bring
> back the tradition...
Can't - Crysis runs on all the new hardware.
Blame Moore for that.
And the full version of 7 just came out...
Decisions, decisions...
Why should I choose spy-ware Chrome OS instead Ubuntu Linux ?
I have to agree. When Chrome 1st came out I thought it was pointless. Now it's the only browser I use. Their new sycing of bookmarks across machines is brilliant & the totally stripped layout just flat works.
If their OS is similar: stripped, functional *&* innovative- I can't wait.
@ Sea Urchin,
Me and my room mate went to that party last year. Be glad you stayed at home. It sucked.
"Its just a Copy of linux..meh."
os x is also just a copy of Unix
yes, and it sucks, just like any other copy of linux!
Offtopic: why is Josh the only person here on Engadget who can't get ranked??
Thats cheating! we should have the option to downrank him equally just like anyone here.
cause he's the man son
Ah, well he's no Jesus.
Here: My comment is a proxy for Josh. Rank it up or down accordingly.
you're right he's no jesus, which is a very good thing indeed. I got booted from jizmodo for penning a less than respectful disagreement with one of diaz' "press releases" for apple.
Awesome!
Quick question.....is this just for netbooks or will it be available for PCs as well....all I keep reading about is it being on netbooks
Knowing Google, it'll probably be freely available for whatever system you'd like to try it on. At least eventually.
I mean, netbooks are PCs too.
I thought it was going to start off on netbooks, then go to more powerful stuff, but if you had the driver for linux you could install it on whatever.
I think you can run it virtual like a browser on higher on PC's with more power and netbooks it'll be an alternate OS say if you want the netbook to book quickly for internet.
I want to install this on my 7 year old home PC... Any idea when a generic x86 version for all PCs will come out? Cause, I'm using and AMD Athlon here...
Exciting! I heart competition.
Its aimed at Netbooks but you should be able to install it on any pc.
Aimed at Chris.D
thanks
Changing the subject slightly, where the hell is the HD2 review???
I know right..... They must be doing some extremely thorough testing.
ahh...from @joshuatopolsky: "And before you guys ask: yes, the HD2 review is coming. No, probably not this week."
I was excited but now your saying its linux? Guess that means no playing games so I'm no longer interested.
true, but this is Google... what if Google talked with Blizzard and convinced them to release a native World of Warcraft client? In one shot, 11+ million potential gamers have an option. Other companies might decide Linux needs a second look. Wishful thinking probably.
Think different way! If game development companies sees that it is used by millions of people, sooner or later they will start making games for Linux.
Meh, Wine runs games. I had World of Warcraft running on Ubuntu when the game was good.
I really hope Google would jump out of the usual OS. I hate one fact that upgrading motherboards mean I 'll have to reinstall OS, and all my personal settings, applications, scheduled service are all gone. I really hope that individual personal items can be abstracted out like virtual machine that only contains personal data, apps and settings. So I can upgrade from one OS to another OS, from one platform to another platform w/out hassle. Google, please do something different other than the old way.
So Google has two options...
1. Release a brand new OS with no market share to debug and stabilize while trying to gain market share so people can continue to play games on Windows
2. Release an OS based on a free kernel with a history of fixes and stability so that people can continue to play games on Windows
Either way they have to gain market share before they can get developers to make your precious games because Microsoft doesn't license DirectX technologies.
Downranked for pointing out the biggest flaw in linux? That is exactly why I dont use it, give me games and I'll ditch windows.
Am I the only one that thinks the logo looks like a Simon Says toy?
No I have the same tingly feeling everytime I see it as well.
Seems like this revealing is strategically announced during Microsoft's PDC next week so as to steal some thunder from the launch of Azure, Office 2010 public BETA, new XBOX 360 services and any Windows 7 announcements.
I'm looking forward to what Google + Linux can become.
So, they haven't been working together for, like, forever now?
Interesting...
Will definitely install.
When is a real version of Chrome browser for OS X coming? :(
I'm pretty sure when they release it you can just do a virtual install using Virtual Box, VMware, Parallels, etc.
This seems like a solution to a problem that doesn't exist. If I'm going with free, I'll choose Ubuntu...or Eeebuntu specifically if we are talking about Eeepc's.
You haven't even used it yet, let alone seen it.
say what you want, but linux has long had 2 serious problems, in fact: name recognition, and ease of use. even your grandparents already know what google is, and they won't have to know a thing about kernels or distros to make it "just work." they might even have the clout to solve the driver drought that drove me away from linux after like 2 days.
Chrome OS, I choose You!
The Beta sucks. Even for a beta
I want to partition my macbook and run this using bootcamp - anybody know if thats possible?
You lost me at "partitioning a macbook".
There are guides to triple boot OS X, Windows, and Ubuntu on macs so pretty sure this is possible too.
if you already have an os, there isn't much point: the big idea is that this is an open, web-based platfrom. you can run chrome os software on any platform in any browser. and as loocas intimates, it's a pain in the ass to put 3 partitions on a macbook: bootcamp expects two partitions, no more.
um, what about that whole thing about google being automatically granted the right to use all intellectual property that passes through chrome? even if thats been changed , i dont see how i could ever trust a company that even tried to slip that past potential customers...
nobody here has any opinion on this? or am i just completely misinformed?
will it be free?
Well i say good.. I love Microsoft, but its about time we were able to have choices on not only PC Brands, but good quality, GENERAL CONSUMER orientated OS's.. :)
How is this a "choice"?! o_O
Seriously though, before you downrank me to oblivion. How can an absolute newcomer, possibly based on tons of ad-ware, based off of a Linux kernel, with absolutely no support from 3rd party developers, this become even an "option"? I don't get it. What's so bad or wrong about Windows or MacOS X, that already have a huge userbase with tons of developers and applications available off-the-shelf?
I am only interested if they get linux terminal server project (LTSP) running with it.
I'm setting up ubuntu on LTSP now, but I would love to see google go in this direction to make deployment of its OS a breeze.
They should use a different name; it's not an OS in practicality. Ubuntu is and it's free and Better;)
What? no gigantic pastry or something on the lawn of the Google campus signalling the release is close? Ok, I know that's only for their mobile OS updates, but come on, can't we get the world's largest pizza or something? This is very disappointing...
Look at the disclaimer at the bottom:
Chrome OS is not related to Google. Service provided by SUSE Studio. See the license.
Looks good. But what's this all about?
http://sites.google.com/site/chromeoslinux/download
I think thats the user made version that is made to look like a possible chrome os.
Look at the disclaimer at the bottom:
Chrome OS is not related to Google. Service provided by SUSE Studio.See the license.
So the shell is just a browser? Like no one ever thought of doing that before. I guess it would be good for a kiosk application or something.
Since Windows 7 and Snow Leopard are such big hits, do you think anybody will even bother with Google OS (besides the die-hards)?
:matt
http://socipia.com
That's what people probably asked on other Google products:
Since Yahoo! is such a big hit, do you think anybody will even bother with Google?
Since Outlook is such a big hit, do you think anybody will even bother with Gmail?
Since Word is such a big hit, do you think anybody will even bother with Google Docs?
It's just the nature of the industry...
Since Netscape is such a big hit, do you think anybody will even bother with Internet Explorer?
Since Internet Explorer is such a big hit, do you think anybody will even bother with Firefox?
Since Lotus 1-2-3 is such a big hit, do you think anybody will even bother with Excel?
Since Lotus 1-2-3 is such a big hit, do you think anybody will even bother with Excel?
I can easily see Chrome OS becoming a major player in the netbook market, then expanding into other computing realms. I suspect that it might be easier for a lot of people than Windows. Many people, especially older users, don't honestly do much on their computers aside from check email, surf the web, and write the occasional letter. Or in other words: Gmail, Chrome, and Google Docs.
Hmm... I wonder if I can get my mom set up this way.
Add in the idea of netbooks being released without Windows and they could end up another $20 cheaper...
I think some people will be surprised.
- Clint
http://clintzehner.com
just how much information do we want google to have - and how will they use it
Crunchpad
Yeah cause all we need is another OS argument.. And Chrome browser is nice, very nice. And its very fast. But im still with firefox. Firefox is perfect. The only thing I like on Chrome that firfox lacks is the "paste and go " in the address bar. Good work on that one google!
I'm pulling for Google to do something revolutionary. Sure, a easy-to-use and efficient Google OS would rock netbooks, but that'd be just half the fun :)
I cannot wait for Chrome OS , but I hope Google gives compact discs for free or the option of downloading an ISO image.