Google launch Chrome operating system
Updated on 19 November 2009
At the Googleplex in California, Google executives unveil Google Chrome OS, their operating system that could challenge the dominance of Microsoft Windows.
After years of rumours have finally turned into reality. Google will be launching their own PC-based operating system and truly take on Microsoft.
The system will be offered free with most applications running via the web using the so called "Cloud", processing and data storage occur outside of the computer giving a better experience to lower powered computers.
Google says that netbooks with Google Chrome OS will load in under seven seconds because of this. They say that most of us just use our computers to get online anyway so running applications from there makes sense.
They also announced that the Google Chrome OS system will run on solid state storage but not with any hard disc drives. If your internet signal goes down, you'll be able to continue using applications and the data will be uploaded to the cloud when you next get an internet connection.
Initially Google Chrome OS is aimed at the netbook market. These small, low powered computers have grown so rapidly that they now account for around a quarter of all PCs purchased by consumers.
Google has already signed up a number of major manufacturers including Dell, Toshiba and Sony to ship netbooks with Chrome OS and more are expected to sign-up shortly.
Some netbooks are already powered by Linux, a free operating system which Google use as the base of the Chrome OS. But many more use Microsoft Windows XP, which is not free - the cost to manufacturers is passed onto to consumers.
The launch of Chrome OS will no doubt hurt Microsoft. They're a company in decline with profits falling 18 per cent year on year at their last quarterly results. Google on the other hand out-performed the market and had a 27 per cent year on year rise of profits.
Google has yet to reveal what its revenue stream is, although privacy campaigners will no doubt be concerned that internet giant may wish to make use of the data it collects as part of operating this service.
There is little doubt that advertising will at some point appear within the software. But the initial key benefit for Google will be the software driving more people towards the company's services.
