Having already established its speedy and streamlined Chrome browser as a steadily growing force in the Microsoft-dominated Web market, online powerhouse Google has this week offered up a tantalisingly brief glimpse at its upcoming Web-based Chrome computer operating system (OS).
Quick. Quick. Quick. Image: Google.
Unveiled some four months after Google first announced its intention to enter the competitive OS sector (similarly dominated by Microsoft), the California-based heavyweight claims its new Chrome OS will deliver unrivalled start times capable of taking users to the desktop in seven seconds by sidestepping much of the conventional boot-up process.
“We just want computers to be delightful and work,” said Google product manager Sundar Pichai. “You turn it on, and you should be on the Web.”
Clearly echoing the accessible design of its established Chrome browser, Google’s demonstration revealed an easy-to-use operating system – that feels much like a browsing platform – focused on providing a simple user experience that’s geared towards running Web applications such as general browsing, e-mail, music, videos, games and shopping.
According to Google, the Chrome OS for personal computers will be ready for an official release by the holiday season of 2010, at which point the package will make its initial bow on Web-centric Netbook portables equipped with solid-state drives (SSDs).
And, while the final build of Chrome OS remains around a year away, Google also used its preview event to announce that the software’s code is now officially open-sourced, meaning external developers have access to the platform alongside Google’s own team and will be able to contribute directly towards its ongoing evolution.
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