Google Releases Source To Chromium OS

Kelson writes "Google has released the source to what will eventually become Chrome OS, and will begin developing it as an open source project like Chromium. The OS differs from the usual computing model by (1) making all apps web apps (2) sandboxing everything and (3) removing anything unnecessary, to focus on speed." Reader Barence adds "Google said consumers won't be able to download the operating system — it will only be available on hardware that meets Google's specifications. Hard disks are banned, for instance, while Google said it will also specify factors such as screen sizes and display resolutions. Google said it plans to officially launch Chrome OS by the end of next year."

Comments

Open Source?

[bdsesq]

consumers won't be able to download the operating system

What kind of open source is this if you can't download it? Looks like Google is calling it open source but trying to control Chromium OS like it was closed.

Re:Looks pretty shit

[Foredecker]

This has been tried before and it failed - anyone remember network appliances? How is this any different? The client system itself could be infinity fast, and and still provide a poor user experience due to network and cloud latency an throughput issues. Most consumers will be on broadband or wireless connections with asymmetric speeds and flow control. Such networks have poor up time - are people really going to be happy with any kind of system that are down a lot? My comcast connection just stops - for minutes - several times a week. With a 'real' computer (windows, linux, or mac) the user can still do things local - look at pictures, compose mail, read download mail, write documents, etc. etc. In contrast, network appliances are useless if the network connection is dead. Note, This isn't about Chrome versus Linux versus Mac versus Windows. This is the 'thick' versus 'thin' client thing all over again. The old network appliance companies also tried this business model - it didn't work then. Do consumers really want such a limited device? Are there -really- enough consumers who will want this in addition to a 'real' PC or laptop? Or who will be satified with only a network appliance? We shall see. I'm quite skeptical.