Editorial: Chrome OS is what I want, but not what I need
By Paul Miller 
posted November 19th 2009 4:20PM
posted November 19th 2009 4:20PM
Built-in Google notifications
Drag and drop in the browser
Another instance of what appears to be a core Chrome OS competency that I've had to hack into my life -- in this case using the wonderful but fundamentally limited Mailplane. Why should it take an all-new OS to make dragging and dropping files to and from web applications a common occurrence? I also love the concept of plugging a drive or an accessory into my computer and its default action being to present itself to my browser. This does not sound like crazy talk to me.
Persistent panels
Login-populated, portable user environment
If 90 percent of what I do is in a browser, why can't I take that environment with me with as a simple login? This is another thing mobile phones are starting to get into, particularly again with Android and webOS, and that I'm glad to see Firefox is bringing in version 4 with Weave.
Free but compatible
The idea of someone making open source software that's targeted at specific hardware and even dictates some of its environment shouldn't feel so refreshing. Android has struck a nice balance between a tightly regulated ecosystem of Google-approved "sure thing" devices and a wild west of non-Google devices powered by the open source elements of the OS. I've always been rebuffed by Linux due to the inconsistent hardware support and knowledge that if the system breaks I won't know how to fix it or get back to my data. The combination of the cloud-reliance and Google's heavyweight status means I could actually see myself buying a Google-branded 3rd party device -- a monetary commitment that I've never felt Ubuntu quite merited, despite its multitude of partnerships. I'd love to see a company like HP (for instance) go beyond mere skinning of Ubuntu and really commit to stepping on Microsoft's toes and investing in an open source desktop operating system to the point that it can offer true competition.
But... I still need my real OS
There's also the fact that many web apps have been designed to operate with a local storage of files to draw from (Flickr, YouTube, Gmail, blogging), so I'm not sure I want to juggle the appropriate USB stick everytime I want to be more than a passive consumer of content -- if all my creation takes place in Google silos, I actually start to become a less productive member of the web.
If Chrome OS can breath new life into low-powered hardware and provide a low-cost alternative for someone who just wants to do email and play Dolphin Olympics 2 on their netbook, then that's great, but for me, a self-described power user, I'd benefit more from watching these features land on my Mac and Windows and Ubuntu PCs than from waving goodbye to Photoshop and iMovie in exchange for a Google-built operating system.
so basicly OS 10 users would have to use chrome , os10 AND windows?
@Xorith I haven't used windows since I switched 2 years ago. I will play with Chrome OS only if Google offers a significant storage area for my music, pictures, and movies. I think it would be better if everyone had their own servers at home to host their data.
Why not the best of both worlds?
We've seen instant-on OS built into BIOS being added to upcoming laptops, how about replace them with ChromeOS?
I see this as mostly for netbooks, laptops if you aren't doing anything CPU/GPU-intensive and need quick access, MIDs, and small desktops/nettops for the computer illiterate population.
And, if want to go do something more intensive, then switch to the primary OS. It'd be nice to see this as a standard feature and install it to some SSD or small SSD on a laptop, able to switch between the two-- primary and secondary OS.
I think the only thing Chrome OS needs is an actual file browser, so you can store things like pictures and music on your computer, without an internet connection. I can see it being very nice when there are more developed web apps (Photoshop, Music Players, Games), but I'm gonna have to wait a while for that.
I'd also like a desktop image, but I guess I can live.
Clearly this is not for "power users", at least not ones that use sophisticated apps like Photoshop or what have you. For most people this would do just fine. My parents don't do a darn thing but play on the internet on their computer and use Picasa. This would be a great solution for them that is fast, secure and easy.
Honestly if I could run my Zune software on Google OS, my life would be complete. Zune is the only reason why I'm not using Ubuntu right now.
I had expected this to look more like the relationship between OS X and BSD - a sharper, more corporate looking Linux with unique applications and some added cloud base - instead, this is pretty weak. I would rather used a stripped down version of Linux and then add what I need to it (maybe Crunchbang...) on my netbook, although currently I'm using either Ubuntu or OS X. I don't want to have to store my music in the cloud, or my documents (which are more complicated than what google can provide) - and I use both of these regularly on the go with my netbook. Plus, I don't want to shell out for a 3g connection. As is, if I'm outside of wifi range, I still have a way to get something accomplished, listen to music, watch a video or play a game.
As far as I'm concerned, just put a light browser on a light version of Linux and call it done. I can do that myself. Plus, this certainly makes it look like they've been holding out on the Linux community to release a decent version of Chrome, so that they can unveil this. Plus, gmail keeps going down. I was already on the way to looking for other mail and calendar solutions.
@Eddie W
Gmail keeps going down? Really?
You sound like a power user, and indeed I don't think Google Chrome OS out of the gates is going to be for people like you. And that's a huge difference from this and Linux. Linux out of the Gates is really only suitable for power users of a certain technical pedigree.
True, I'm maybe wanting my netbook to do more than most folks, but I don't think that watching a video on a plane should be a difficult prospect for an operating system. I suppose my frustration stems from wanting Google to provide a further boost to the Linux community and provide an easier entry point than Ubuntu (which, granted, is getting easier). Clearly this isn't meant for me, but I have a lot of experience talking to people about Linux and hearing questions like, "wait, you mean there's no way for me to run itunes?" or somesuch. At some point people who switch to Chrome OS are going to hit a wall where they realize they can't do something on their computer that was easy to do on Windows and they'll make the switch back. At least with Linux they have a number of options for alternatives. This doesn't seem to have them.
Something interesting, however, is that people who care about Chrome are going to start creating web based alternatives that mimic the functionality of itunes, etc. That will do loads to develop web based apps, which is great, but I still see a need for for an operating system that runs local applications. Either that, or a home based backend OS that integrates with Chrome to provide that functionality wherever you happen to be (which might also be really interesting). Time will tell.
Very well written! Agree with you 100%
"cut the cord"
"chimes of freedom flashing in Chrome OS"
Is that very biting sarcasm? I would expect it was but to be that stinging isn't really paul miller's style.
How can being tied to the net and the whims of the big boys controlling your apps be called 'cut the cord' and 'freedom'? It is the exact opposite of freedom, and it's tying yourself with a cord that has one side round your neck and the other side in the hands some people that run apple/google/MS/sony what have you, and of course the wonderful lawmakers and music/movie industry, I'm sure that if those companies have you by the balls they will demand some squeezing of them.
Chrome OS is not what I want and not what I need. Fuck the cloud.
Completely agree. Chrome OS seems to really only make sense for extremely light users. For anybody wanting real apps such as Photoshop, Computer Games, etc... then they will need a "real" OS.
I'm not liking the SSD requirement - this means i can't use my current EEE netbook...
The Chrome OS is PERFECT (if all goes well) for 90% of the people out there, 90% of the time.
Sure, us "power-users" actually do more than just surf the web, but the average person out there just wants to jump online and go. Even basic word processing and spreadsheet tools are available.
The only downside (and it might be a big downside) is the the whole Cloud storage deal. Right now, in the US, internet access is not universal enough in most locations. But in countries that realize how important net access is and have pushed for better coverage everywhere, I could see the Chrome OS being pretty big there.
But I don't see the Chrome OS being your ONLY OS... it looks perfectly designed for a 2nd computer - something like a Netbook.
Can it play Crysi... oh wait... it can't.
hahhahahahaha
I think most people here are missing the point. It isn't meant to replace your computer (at least for now).
I don't expect a netbook to replace my computer. I don't expect an iPod touch/iPhone to replace my computer. Think about the OS on the netbook or iPhone. Would you expect it to do all your video/audio/gaming/intensive-use tasks? I wouldn't.
There is a trend though. Why are netbooks and iPhone popular? It's the interface. What you can get to without getting the other crap. It's portability and the leanness. Google Chrome is sort of banking on that trend. As tablets get released next year and people want a simple interface to just get to their "stuff" -- Google Chrome OS will attempt to fill that gap.
I have a desktop (windows) and a notebook (mac). I don't think it's crazy to think I may get a netbook/tablet one day. The first thing I thought about when I saw the Google Chrome OS was dual boot. I would always have this somewhere ready to dual boot in to. If someone wanted to use my computer, I'd boot into Google Chrome for them. If I was traveling (and I didn't want to deal with the virus/privacy issue of using a random computer) I would have Google Chrome on a disk. One more personal use. My grandmother and parents... something no fuss and easy to use would make using the internet more accessible to them (we actually recently had a conversation about a device they might use).
I personally can think of more people an OS like this would help vs. not help. C'mon! i know the geek population is on the rise, but the majority is still far from converted!
But the biggest hurdle I see here is the one everyone else is mentioning... hardware compatibility/support.
Haha, but c'mon people... this will come out late next year? That's a long ways to go with a grip of more rumors and screenshots and speculations to follow. I thought it was a good editorial. Thanks.
You are missing the point. This is not intended to be a desktop/primary computer replacement. This is your 3rd screen (4th if you count TV). Something for extended passive browsing, eReading, youtubing. Not getting primary work done.
@McPOW But how many screens do I need?
Google has a lot to gain. For 70% of people Chrome OS in the next ten years will do everything they need it to do. For the other 30% if Apple plays it smart it will come out the winner. For this group it is all going to be about the applications.
Microsoft will win by default if Apple doesn't figure out a way to remain relevant.
i think people are taking this the wrong way. yes, i like the fast boot up time, but if its just that, then implement the optimized special firmware to other slim linux distribution with a module that priorities browser boot up. it doesn't have to kill off ALL other native application.
google has a couple of good ideas. i don't think they implemented them in a way that suits most people, rather in a way that best suits its products.
a new linux distro needs to be made with the good points from Chrome OS.
@t Aye, Google, money grubbing bastards... what with their free operating systems and free email and free web services. DAMN THEM!
Apple, on the other hand, who has posted Wall Street profits hand over fist in a recession (to their esteemed credit IMO), well, of course they're not money grubbing in any way.
Something for grandma...
is there a way I can expand all the replies without hitting the replies button?
What about phone + netbook + PC?
In the end I hope to move towards tablet + PC, but for now I feel phone + netbook + PC is a good solution.
I think Chrome OS will find a market with netbooks but not really anything else. Sure I do a lot of things on the web but I also do a lot of heavy duty stuff on my regular computer. I'd totally use this on a netbook but come on, I need a full fledged OS!
wowsome
To me Chrome OS sounds like the Instant On OS of the future. Not the proper OS of the future.
Sorry Goog's, it just isn't powerful enough to replace your regular desktop, but it would be great to act like a Instant On OS!
"but for me, a self-described power user, I'd benefit more from watching these features land on my Mac and Windows and Ubuntu PCs"
A good number of these features, or more specifically a good portion of this idea, has already been implemented or is in progress with Windows Live and other MS porjects. WL Photo Gallery syncs my pictures to WL Skydrive and all I need to do to view them from another computer is sign in. Same with Office Live Workspace - soon to be Office Web Apps. Same with all my Zune stuff. I can even replay audio/video files in the browser stored in my Live Mesh using Silverlight. I don't need a Desktop OS to use any of that. Everything is available straight from the cloud.
Where I think Google goes wrong is in ignoring the present and waiting for the future (that will never completely come). Some day I will ALWAYS be connected to an infinetely fast internet connection. But until then I want to have non-webified content, too. I think MS gets it right in saying the future is software+services (whereas Google seems to be betting amost completely on services). I want to install a desktop version of WL Photo Gallery, if only to save the bandwidth.
There will be places without high speed internet for a long time (ex. rural America, certain foreign countries). What do I do when I go there? And what about service outages? And what about stuff I don't want in the cloud for security purposes? And what about junk that I don't want to have to load for an hour (huge databases) or deal with latency issues (gaming)?
In short, I don't think much of this is revolutionarily new. MS is up on this, and Midori will likely unify many existing projects (ex. on storage service instead of SkyDrive, Live Mesh, Office Live Workspace). None of this is revolutionarily competitive either. This is not something that will ever replace Windows for most users. I know you said that last part, but I don't understand why so many people look at this as competition to Windows or Mac OS X or Linux.
Why not just make an Chrome app that does all this for Windows, Max & Linux.
Better yet what happens when Apple and Microsoft copy this or come out with a version of OSX & Windows that is super fast and efficient and has this built in which would people choose ?
I see it work as educational tool. all the information you need at the moment you need it.
Is there anyone else who hates pop up notifications? or doesnt want all this google customize junk cluttering up my home page? I mean I go online to search and find specific things. Whats on the google home page is never what I need. And pop ups in the browser are a nightmare. I get over 25 emails a day and its already too much, let alone a window telling me everytime one appears. And chat? If you need me, call me. Call me old school.
Not what I need either, but if it will support netflix streaming, it's what my mom needs.
"waving goodbye to Photoshop and iMovie in exchange for a Google-built operating system"
That's not quite right, Chrome OS will eventually run these programs as well, inside the browser, thanks to Native Client http://code.google.com/p/nativeclient/ .
Why would you use Chrome OS when you can run other fast, stable and secure distributions of Linux that can run the Chrome browser AND programs.
Hey Mr. Balmer: something's coming to GET you!
Will internet connectivity be so constant and ubiquitous and secure that you'll feel comfortable relying on it to connect you with your life? Sure, but imagine being suddenly cut off from everything that makes you you -- wouldn't that possibility, real or imagined, give some company or some government a bit too much coercive capability? I mean, it's not like they don't already have enough, and we're nowhere near there yet. I think I'll keep me and my productivity on this side of the cloud as much as possible for as long as possible, thank you very much.
Will internet connectivity be so constant and ubiquitous and secure that you'll feel comfortable relying on it to connect you with your life? Sure, but imagine being suddenly cut off from everything that makes you you -- wouldn't that possibility, real or imagined, give some company or some government a bit too much coercive capability? I mean, it's not like they don't already have enough, and we're nowhere near there yet. I think I'll keep me and my productivity on this side of the cloud as much as possible for as long as possible, thank you very much.
pretty fast they came out with an OS. Seems like that This OS and Android will be the most used OS's in non x86 consumer hardware for some time to come. Everything from a set top box, media player, video and music, and all kinds of phone, internet tablet and other connected devices will come with this OS. Why? cause it is free, easy to implement and the Google brand carries the hardware a long way. welcome to the OS scene Google Chrome. Now lets see some hardware and written device drivers with you on it.
I don't want any part of Chrome... are you really going to trust an OS from an Advertising company???? Just don't use it for any sensitive information.
I agree, I am a power user and am always going to be mobile to the point of needing to be 'stand-alone', ubiquitous internet is a vision for a far distant future, and I won't trust any organization to manage and protect my information.
What I don't like about the cloud is my pc time being controlled by someone else, we moved away from this when pc's became affordable and small enough for every one to have, why are we going back?
What if something catastrophic happens and Google is destroyed? What if some one decided to chard far to much for cloud services and we are all on the cloud. I am not saying this is gonna happen, but its putting all of our freedom into someone else's hands.
Well stated article Paul. I have just begun to play around with the
VMware image of Chrome and although it beautifully integrates all of
Google's services into a nice central "cloud" based OS, I still need
the full functionality of Ubuntu and Windows. You can never fully
replace a lot of the functionality that businesses rely on in a
full-blown OS. Depending on your target audience, I think Google can
market this towards a lot of noobs who just browse youtube and check email all day. But you said it best in the article, it will probably
never replace a full featured OS.
i think its too early to say, El Goog needs time to refine Chrome OS.
I think the endgame for ChromeOS will be this...
A parasite OS, using your current computer as the host. For example:
You open your laptop, put your thumb on the reader, and your straight into your Google account on Chrome OS (no password typing). As you work on this internet-based "surface OS" you'll have access to files on the computer's HD, but not to the computer's actual operating system's functions and applications. (Ie. You won't be able to use Photoshop). If you do need these more complicated functions you then boot up the original OS that you installed on the computer and you have a full operating system, but with Chrome still there as just a browser now.
Ever wanted to start your computer to type a quick email, but that's it? ...but groaned when you had to realise you'll be waiting through the boot up time to just do that one thing? Enter ChromeOS.