Google to launch operating system to rival Microsoft

[geoff01]

The search engine, which already offers a suite of email, web and other software products that compete with Microsoft, said the system could be used by computers ranging from ultra-compact netbooks to full-size desktop PCs.

The new software, called the Google Chrome Operating System, will be in netbooks for consumers in the second half of 2010 and aims to make web applications easier to use.

"The operating systems that browsers run on were designed in an era where there was no web," Sundar Pichai, vice president of product management at Google.

"The Chrome OS is our attempt to re-think what operating systems should be".

Google said it was already working with a number of manufacturers to produce and distribute the system.

"It's been part of their culture to go after and remove Microsoft as a major holder of technology, and this is part of their strategy to do it," said Rob Enderle, principal analyst at Enderle Group.

"This could be very disruptive. If they can execute, Microsoft is vulnerable to an attack like this, and they know it."

Google and Microsoft have often locked horns over the years in a variety of markets, from internet search to mobile software. Microsoft Windows is currently installed in more than 90 per cent of the world's PCs.

A key factor will be whether Google can strike partnerships with PC makers, such as Hewlett-Packard Co and Dell Inc, which currently offer Windows on most of their product lines.

Google's Chrome Internet browser, launched in late 2008, remains a distant fourth in the Web browser market, with a 1.2 per cent share in February, according to market research firm Net Applications. Microsoft's Internet Explorer continues to dominate, with nearly 70 per cent.

A spokesman for Microsoft had no immediate comment.

Google said Chrome OS was a new project, separate from its Android mobile operating software found in some smartphones. Acer Inc, the world's No.3 PC brand, has already agreed to sell netbooks that run Android.

telegraph.co.uk

[talkgold]

This is the logical next step. I see this being a mixture of Android and Chrome. Google is slowly controlling everything internet. As a shareholder I just hope they don't become to monopolistic for the governments tastes.

[IsMaeL]

They are heading for the wall ... How can they hope to be better than the experienced Microsoft ? Beating them, dream on !

[TrustNOBODYnever]

Originally Posted by IsMaeL

They are heading for the wall ... How can they hope to be better than the experienced Microsoft ? Beating them, dream on !

with money ... they can beat easy microsoft with money ... and since the OS marketplace it's like '' a marketplace for noobs '' it's perfect market for them , XP/Vista/ Win7 tend to become '' experienced and high level knowledge users '' they will beat them , look what happens with chrome .. already got nice share on browsers market share

[VorloN]

Originally Posted by IsMaeL

They are heading for the wall ... How can they hope to be better than the experienced Microsoft ? Beating them, dream on !

I agree. There is no way they can beat Microsoft. Not in the foreseeable future, anyway.

[geoff01]

Google launches Chrome 3 stable

Broadband users have been offered the opportunity to download an updated version of the Google Chrome web browsing software that its creator has stated comes with a number of interesting changes.

Anthony Laforge, program manager for the system, posted an article on the search company's official blog page explaining exactly what people can expect from the system.

The browser - which could act as an alternative to existing products like Microsoft's Internet Explorer or Opera - recently celebrated its first birthday and is celebrating with Chrome 3, which follows two stable versions and a beta testing release.

In addition to the various updates and 3,505 bugs Google has fixed in the past 12 months, it was noted that the new option is faster than ever before in terms of start up time and page loading.

"Notably, we've improved by more than 150 per cent in Javascript performance since our very first beta and by more than 25 per cent since the most recent stable release," Mr Laforge noted.

A redesigned Tab page has been included that is simpler to use and more customisable, while the Omnibox facility has been optimised to include extra drop-down menu tweaks and easier to distinguish listings.

Improvements to the system which include the use of HTML5 were noted and following a period of testing Google said the Themes option is now incorporated as a stable release.

"Themes allow you to deck out your browser with colours, patterns and images," the post concluded.

Google also unveiled its Fast Flip online news facility this week.

http://www.broadband-finder.co.uk/ne..._19364091.html