Google Inc. is taking on Microsoft Corp. in the quest for the netbook OS market, and not with Android, its mobile phone platform widely considered for use in the lightweight mini-laptops. Instead, it is developing the Chrome OS, a Linux-based competitor to Windows set for release in 2010.
The software will directly target netbooks, though it could be used in full-sized PCs as well. In going after the small devices, Google has an opportunity to give Microsoft a run for its money, because the netbook-optimized Windows 7 won’t appear until 2010. Until then, netbook makers must use a Linux derivative or Windows XP (Vista is too unwieldy for the small devices) to power the devices. That’s one reason Microsoft isn’t quite as dominant in the market as it is in big PC sales.
“Speed, simplicity and security are the key aspects of Google Chrome OS,” wrote Sundar Pichai, vice president of product management, and Linus Upson, engineering director, in the company blog. “We’re designing the OS to be fast and lightweight, to start up and get you onto the Web in a few seconds.”
Google also benefits from its status as a bona fide Web company; netbooks, after all, are meant to be used for cloud and Web applications.
