Chrome OS

Last week, Google launched a beta program for the first real cloud computer: the CR-48. The CR-48 is the first computer running Chrome OS, google's cloud operating system. The concept is simple: A minimal operating system that only starts a browser (Google Chrome) with some added functionality like configuration of network settings. Will these type of devices accelerate the shift from desktop apps to web applications? I don't know, but I do see some compelling advantages when people use a Chrome OS device compared to a traditional PC/Mac:

• It has a non-existent learning curve. If you can work with a browser, you can work with a Chrome OS device
• The device requires no maintenance. No security updates, no application installs, no operating system patches, media codecs, ...
• It is fast. Really fast. Booting is under ten seconds. Resume from sleep modus is instantly.
• It is interchangeable. All your data lives in the cloud. You have everything available whether you are in your browser on your 'classic' Desktop OS or on your Chrome OS device.
• It is cross-platform. You are not locked in to one 'app framework' like iPhone apps or Android apps. Every website is a potential application for Chrome OS.

The first real notebooks running Chrome OS are expected in mid 2011. I hope someone will also commercialize a nettop/desktop device running Chrome OS. I know at least two computers in my home that could be immediately replaced by a Chrome OS device.

Video that demonstrates some of Chrome OS's capabilities.