Google Announces Google Chrome Operating System – Mac Rumors

admin — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:30:20 +0000

Google announced that they are getting into the Operating System business with Google Chrome Operating System. The new OS is described as their attempt to “re-think” what operating systems should be.

Google Chrome OS will be an open source, lightweight operating system that is initially targeted at netbooks.

Speed, simplicity and security are the key aspects of Google Chrome OS. We’re designing the OS to be fast and lightweight, to start up and get you onto the web in a few seconds. The user interface is minimal to stay out of your way, and most of the user experience takes place on the web. And as we did for the Google Chrome browser, we are going back to the basics and completely redesigning the underlying security architecture of the OS so that users don’t have to deal with viruses, malware and security updates. It should just work.

The new OS will run on both x86 and ARM chips. The first netbooks will begin shipping with the OS in the second half of 2010. In the long term, Google does expect that Chrome OS will work anywhere from small netbooks to full size desktop machines.

While Microsoft has the most to lose from such direct competition from Google, Apple will also be affected by Google’s move into this space. In fact, Google’s ultimate goal seems to be the same target market as Apple’s. They are specifically shooting for ease of use and accessibility:

The Web will be a central part of the new operating system, and demonstrates the importance of supplying a robust browser experience. Google’s work on the Chrome browser will carry over into the new OS.

Google Announces Google Chrome Operating System – Mac Rumors.

Dell to ditch x86 for new ARM-powered netbook/MID hybrid device

admin — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:37:45 +0000

Dell is reportedly developing a new pocket-sized device for “tapping into the Internet”. The device will run Google’s Android software (not Microsoft’s Windows) and will be powered by an ARM CPU (not Intel’s Atom, or VIA’s Nano). While the device will be similar to an iPod touch, though slightly larger, it too will be without cellphone abilities.

According to reports, Dell began working on the device last year after failing to develop a device capable of competing with Apple’s iPod music players. The device may be available later this year, though the insider told the Wall Street Journal that such a plan could be delayed or scrapped entirely.

Another interesting twist is that the device, targeted at a point between MIDs and netbooks, would not be powered by an x86 CPU, which is the majority of Dell’s sales are to date (with other CPUs including Intel’s Itanium, scrapped several years ago). In its place, Dell will be turning to an ARM CPU of undisclosed specification, power and ability (as there are several varieties of ARM CPUs for all kinds of tasks).

Netputing » Google Inc.

Google Announces Google Chrome Operating System – Mac Rumors

Dell to ditch x86 for new ARM-powered netbook/MID hybrid device