On April 16, 2012, I wrote an article, New Google Chrome OS: Admission of a Mistake? in which I stated that it appeared that Google had given up on the idea of a browser-only operating system. At the time, I also mentioned my disappointment with Google for not offering the new OS to those of us who own the Cr-48 laptop systems. However, I did understand that, since Google had graciously given these computers to us for free, it had no obligation to keep them updated with additional free software. Nonetheless, at the time I was disappointed. Then, approximately three weeks ago, it appears that Google had rethought its decision and did a flip-flop, offering me a new updated operating system. However, there was one restriction in order to receive the new update. I had to select the Developer build at the time from which I chose to try out the beta (aka test) versions of the OS.
Knowing that this was a test version, I found myself somewhat leery and thus reluctant to install the update since, for the most part, the original OS worked OK. When I say that, I mean that it was OK for surfing the Internet, checking emails, and doing an occasional article here at LockerGnome using the Google Docs software. To me, the plus of the Cr-48 is that its lighter than my 17″ laptop, and I am able to take this unique little computer with me when I travel. However, in my opinion, the Cr-48 and, I would guess, most Chromebooks in general, have one major flaw. This flaw revolves around their filing systems, which are just about non-existent, or, if in existence, are difficult to use. The latter was evident with the Cr-48 that came equipped with a card reader slot. However, the process required to copy to or from the disk was a major chore and a pain in the rump.
What I found with the new OS, however, was how much Google has fixed on the original beta version. First and foremost, this is how the new Google Chrome OS (Aura) looks today:
For those of you who are viewing this for the very first time, you may wonder why this is such a dramatic change. To understand the difference, you have to realize that prior to this update, the user only had a browser as an interface; there were no other options available. Now, as you can see from the screenshot above, the Google Chrome OS now resembles Windows, complete with a taskbar, desktop, clock, Internet connection icon, and settings icon.
But there is more. Here, you can clearly see that the new Chrome OS also has a bit of Android on board:
So what makes all of this so sweet?
- The entire operating system is now more intuitive and easier to grasp.
- There is a hint of Microsoft Aero Glass.
- The translucent features, both on top and bottom, are a nice touch.
- Google has also borrowed the Windows snap feature.
- The Title bar has an X button to close the window and a square button to maximize the window. Sound familiar? It should, since all of what is being made available has been around for Windows, OS X, and Linux for years.
So why am I recommending the new Google Chrome OS, when previously I thought it was just a gimmick?
First and foremost, Google has improved its file transfer system so that it no longer poses the nightmare scenario that previously existed. For display purposes, I am including a screen shot of files that I have copied over to an SD card or USB drive, which can now be moved to Google Drive with ease. With this improvement, Google also updated its software, making it possible to open documents in Google Docs and photographs in Picasa.
Over all, with the improvements made to the new Aura interface, you will find that they are a vast improvement over the previous limited abilities of the originally released Google Chrome OS. So, while it took Google 18 months, it may surprise some to realize that all it did was to make the new Aura a simple emulation of Windows, OS X, and Linux. Is this change just a little too late to enable the company to catch up with the tablet craze or even Microsoft’s new Windows 8?
Here is my personal opinion of what the future is going to hold for consumers.
- Tablets will continue to be favored by consumers over other devices.
- Apple will continue its domination of the tablet market.
- Windows 8 is being made for the enterprise sector in an attempt, by Microsoft, to keep others like Apple away from its cash cow.
- Google and Microsoft must accept the fact that (whether it be Windows 8, Google Chrome OS, or Android), they can only expect limited success in the consumer market when introducing tablet products.
This further means that, if Apple actually comes out with the rumored 7″ Apple iPad (as some rumors suggest), it can only expect to further strengthen its hold on the consumer dollar. An additional marketing tool would be if the company could reduce the cost for this mini-computer to the $25 range, thus making it more affordable for the vast majority of consumers who would wish to own one.
Just my two cents. What do you think?
Comments welcome.
CC licensed Flickr photo at the top of the page shared by michperu
“An additional marketing tool would be if the company could reduce the cost for this mini-computer to the $25 range”
You meant $250 right? cause $25 is just silly
And I like your review, aside from the heavy suggestion that every idea that Google OS uses or has implemented is taken from Microsoft, that’s just not the case. Linux has many of the features you referenced and may have had them longer, depending on feature, than that of Microsoft.
Luke, check out this $25 computer: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raspberry_Pi
$25!! that’s cheaper than a Raspberry Pi
Chris, great info like it, I am new to Google so I take what I can regarding info. Thanks for the mission
i will pass on this one.
This OS is a joke and so is the development team. I have been working with the OS prior to the latest release for sometime now and the fact they’ve totally gone the other direction than what they originally claimed and wanted to set out to do? Now, just another Mobile OS.
Originally they didn’t want a desktop for icons and the whole ability to have “wallpapers” or gadgets and so forth (it’ll happen eventually). They wanted to be browser-based for CLOUD services/functionality ONLY. No windows as they wanted you to “PIN” most used sites and that was to be your “Desktop Icon aka Shortcut”.
They also tried to trick us developers in to making these web-based App’s for this OS and now they’ve put us in a whole new direction and watch 6+Months from today, it’ll be quite different and not this “safe” OS they claimed but the moment you can install items, safe is out the window.
You may like this new change, I DO NOT.
The Open Web Platform is no joke. It is not static, it is not incapable and provides freedom to users and developers.
It’s Google’s own OS and it is Open Source. They (and you) can do whatever they with it.
Another OS is exactly what is needed and what we all want. It creates competition, driving prices down and innovation up.
Why would end-users care if a UI element is “copied”? If you like windows features so much, you should be thankful they’re being made available for free (Chromium OS).
They did not trick you into making WebApps, you made the concious decision to do so.
The Desktop Metaphor has no effect on security whatsoever. And there is no plan for Chrome OS to support Native code, other than NaCl, which has not been finalised.
I do agree with you Chris. I was sent three CR-48s for business evaluation. While they can’t replace full-blown laptops, that’s not what they were designed for. The main benefit of the Google OS is the durability. While it may lack all of the bells and whistles of mainstream laptop, the fact that mostly any problem (which are generally caused by user experimentation) can be cured by a simple reset far outweighs any limitations.
Another thing is the form factor. I have an Android tablet and I consider it the most worthless piece of plastic I have ever purchased. The Chromebook however is much lighter than a laptop, ultra-durable and has a keyboard… a real keyboard… with keys that don’t take up half of the screen or require a separate carry case. It’s also larger than a netbook so that same keyboard doesn’t require someone with the hands of a 10 year old.
Chromebooks are not for everyone, but for many of us they work wonderfully.
Most of these features are old features on Linux, why say they took them from Windows? Not saying Windows is bad, I use Windows all the time. Just don’t like the implementation that Linux devs don’t come up with their own ideas.
When the limited amount of CR-48 shipped I remember signing up for one like 5 times and never got even one of them. Would have been nice to try it out to see what all the fuss was abolut. YouTube video demos aren’t enough. I need to try it myself.
I even went as far as to trying to install a build of Chrome OS I found on the net, onto a thumb drive but it refused to boot up the laptop. Doing the same thing with ubuntu on a thumb drive seemed to work, so it wasn’t a problem with the laptop.
Good info. Bad writing.
Perhaps you misunderstood what my point(s) were? Let me try and help…
Google in 2010 with the anticipation of having their own OS to be publicly downloaded and developed for, in so few or maybe too many words (Referring to videos that exist on YouTube & in one they thank Microsoft for the upcoming release of Office 360, a web-based Office Suite in the Cloud – which they tested and appeared to be excited for it as it worked and obviously before Google Docs) but we were told a NEW idea and NEW platform and wasn’t going to be what is currently existing (Primarily referencing: Windows & OSX).
I do not like nor want Desktop Goodies (i.e. Gadgets) and never even change my Desktop Wallpaper, so not something I stress about and if I did I would use them, on WINDOWS (or as an Open OS, I could re-develop how I desired and compile it). My problem is Google set-out to claim a new experience that differed, not half-ass, semi-resemblance of a pre-existing product(s) and I wouldn’t mind if they did but that is not what we were promised or proposed as potential users and more importantly, developers (Without us, platforms have no chance of survival). This is why Google’s OS sounded great and promising, otherwise why do we need another Windows, OSX, or *NIX Flavor? They wouldn’t have a chance in the market (or when they originally were prepping for launch, now days it may be different, especially since they have Kevin Rose & Milk Team).
As for not “tricking” us, what do you call it? I made a “conscious” decision to develop for an OS we saw, could play with, and seemed different and interesting enough to use. Also the development was for WebApp’s, as it would be used strictly from/for-use in a Browser (Chrome) and quite obvious this is not the case anymore.
Having “Windows” is quite the opposite of what the road map for Chrome OS was. It obviously doesn’t solely use WebApp’s as the platform as it is no longer a multi-pinned, multi-tabbed single-window. I can make WebApp’s that run on multiple-environments and have a greater user-reach as developing a Chrome OS ready WebApp is a joke, why develop strictly for it when I can gain more users (more revenue as it would likely be paid-subscription OR ad-based) across the board and it still run properly in Chrome?
In the end, I have zero plans to concentrate on an OS that really has no idea on what it may or may not be, I would like some solid idea of what they plan and stay on that path, even just 70% to be truthful but even then, the current Chrome books are a JOKE (I was lucky(?) enough to freely receive one for testing).
Hopefully I made it a little more clear why I was upset and please don’t be offended in any way. Strictly my view, thoughts and opinions. You’re obviously welcome and I encourage (as you have) to have your own view.
My only hope is that Mozillas proposal of the open web app format is more widely adopted and allowed in the chrome web store (cws) and chromium, so that they can keep their promise of webapps catalogued in the cws being able to work other browsers. this would be great for distribution.
Also, mozillas rumoured competitor to the cws would be great for you (once public). competing stores as well as competing browseres, OS’s and apps would be interesting to see…
Also, Moz B2G anyone?
…imagine is COS had an HTML/CSS/JS GUI, as well as application programming platform! chrome would really need some graphics performance power before that though. but if it did… wow, think of the customizability!Still, the emphasis of Chrome OS, is still the platform, that does not require the cwsthanks for the insight. 
and sorry for the rambling…
i think he meant $250…