How Chrome OS went from a failed experiment to a Windows competitor

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

We'll tell you what Chrome OS is, whether it can compete with Windows and OS X, and why Chromebooks became more popular than MacBooks. Everything about how Google created an operating system from a browser.

How it all began

Several years ago, Google introduced the Chrome OS, which was essentially the Chrome browser. Many took this as an unsuccessful experiment, since it did not pull at a full-fledged OS. Without access to the Web, Chrome OS was practically useless, the usual software was absent. Only Google services and numerous extensions familiar from the Chrome browser were available to users.

However, this also had its advantages: the system did not require powerful hardware, and the cost of the laptop did not exceed $ 300. It's cheaper than most Windows devices, let alone MacBooks.

No longer just a browser

Almost seven years have passed since then and a lot has changed. The system has become more functional, self-sufficient, and has acquired support for offline programs. Yes, when connected to the Internet, she still knows more, but now this can be said about any operating system. Offline you can listen to music, watch movies, work with documents. These capabilities will satisfy the needs of most users.

Google's calculation was correct: people spend most of their time in the browser. More precisely, in Google Chrome. Its share is about 50%, which makes it the most popular in the world. "If so, - decided in Google, - keep an accessible device, which has your favorite browser with all sorts of extensions." And that's it, nothing more. The interface is simple and concise, even a child can master it.

By the way, about children: most often Chromebooks are purchased for education and the corporate segment. As a result, Chrome OS laptops outperformed Apple laptops in Q1 2016 in the US. Almost 2 million versus 1.76 million is a major achievement for the browser OS.

But the main blow was struck by Google recently, in May 2016. What many expected has happened: Chrome OS will soon receive native support for Android applications. Chromebook owners are incredibly lucky, because in the near future almost the entire range of Google Play will be available to them! The question of the number of applications and dependence on the Internet is immediately resolved. It is important that applications are not emulated, but native, that is, they have access to Wi-Fi, RAM, processor and other necessary components.

In fact, now we have another Android device, but with more features. Yes, this is not Windows or OS X yet, but for the vast majority of users, the functionality of a Chromebook will suffice.

Pros of Chromebook

1. Price

I'll start with the most important thing - the cost of Chromebooks. In the US, a low-cost Windows laptop will run around $ 400-700. The MacBook starts at $ 899. At the same time, most Chromebooks are priced under $ 300. An excellent option for schoolchildren, students and just people who need a laptop only to surf the Internet and work with documents.

2. Simplicity

Chromebooks are easy to use. They are nimble, easily customizable, and can be mastered by absolutely everyone: from children to the elderly. This is why Chromebooks are so popular in schools and the corporate sector.

3. Large selection

The lineup of Chromebooks is quite extensive. Laptops are available with screen sizes from 11 to 15 inches. Hardware is also very diverse: from mobile processors, which are usually installed in smartphones, to Intel processors.

4. Ecosystem

If you own an Android smartphone, a Chromebook is a worthy addition to your ecosystem. Thanks to Google services, all data is synchronized. In the same way, you can work with third-party software thanks to the native support for Android applications.

Cons of Chrome OS

1. Dependence on the Network

Whatever one may say, the work of Chromebooks is tied to the Web. Without the Internet, their capabilities tend to zero. Despite the fact that the Internet is everywhere now, for many it can become a serious problem.

2. Lack of "adult" software

Chromebooks are not suitable for serious work. It will not be possible to install Photoshop, AutoCAD and other software with which they work on Windows and OS X. Such devices are more suitable for those who spend most of their time in the browser, as well as for those who actively use Google services.

What's next?

Of course, Google has made a huge step in seven years, but according to experts, this is just the beginning. After the system starts supporting Android applications, its popularity will increase significantly.

From a fun experiment, it will turn into an extended version of Android for budget laptops. And in this case, not Apple, which is focused on the premium segment, will become a competitor, but Microsoft. After all, she mainly makes money selling software for the corporate segment and licenses for selling laptops. The sharp rise in the popularity of devices running Chrome OS can pretty much spoil the life of Microsoft.