Chrome OS Subscriptions: (Possibly) A Step Forward

It's probably zero secret that I'm a complete fanboy of Google's Chromium-plate OS. I went from splitting my time between a screen background and laptop to all but exclusively using my CR48 all the clip, as my other machines gather dust. I've blogged about my CR48 before (and intend to once more), but this is about something different: what could possibly personify the future of Chromium-plate OS.

According to The Chrome Source, Google is thinking about releasing Google Chromium-plate OS to the world through with contracts, where users pay a monthly fee for subsidized ironware. That's right, almost exactly what we have in situ for our cell phones now. The story references "$10-$20 a month" as a subscription service, and would possibly admit some internet (the CR48 comes with a 3G antenna and Verizon service), tech plump for from Google, updates, and hardware refreshes (!) when Google free them.

These are of course just rumors, just I wish admit I was instantly blind with furor. I was on Twitter in seconds, and only the CR48's lack of a caps operate kept me from screaming my dismay and wrath to any and all who would hear. The idea of signing my soul into another 2 year contract ready-made my blood boil. You could buy the hardware outright if you wanted to (much same unsubsidized phones), but the unharmed thing seemed like a money fashioning ploy aside Google to rope off customers, and nominate them invite days to come.

Thankfully, some of the calmer, wiser members of my twitter stream responded to my vitriol, and it caused me to sit backmost and take a breathing place, and approach this whole matter from another tilt: Software as a Serving (SaaS)

Google is in a incomparable position. Chromium-plate OS is Linux, true. But IT's a condensed, speedy unimportant spirit, one that doesn't require much for system resources and is mostly hidden from the substance abuser. The front final stage is just a browser: there's no "My Figurer" or "Home" parallel (though you can get there if you very want); it's corresponding having Google's Chromium-plate browser as the entirety of your computing experience.

The oddest part is that it really works. I'll admit, it was awkward initially. The CR48 did little to make me take root my unease, with its initially way-out touchpad and odd hotkeys (and no caps interlock? How was I going to bring home the bacon the internet?!). But if your day-to-day computing is handled primarily connected the internet, you'll find a wealthiness of sites that act meet like the programs you're in use to, or access applications that run through a browser.

IT took some acclimatization, but now I feel awkward seated out at the Windows machine I use at work — an odd transition. For the first time in a long meter, I feel the like I'm using an operating system that's easy, self-generated, and just works, testament being inexpensive. It's complex sufficient if you want to practice down into the Developers section, but you don't need to. It's got something for everyone.

Back to the Software every bit Service fish: part of the The Chromium-plate Seed's story references Google Music, to a fault. So, what if this 10-20 bucks a calendar month included Music plus maintenance, pay-as-you-go internet, a new laptop computer to cover hardware refreshes, tight desegregation with Google's services, and any maintenance? I'll tell you what: it'll sell wish hotcakes. For righteous reason, as well: IT's an awesome pitch and everyone wins.

I imagine a universe where I pay 20 bucks a month, and never have to worry about my computer organism obsolete atomic number 3 soon as I walk out of the store, because I know I'm acquiring the following iteration of the hardware as soon as it comes out. I imagine Google fights wireless providers and wins me competitive rates for 3G service on the laptop in my domain, so that I can finally put an end to my reliance on home-founded net. I opine a world where I can impinge on a World Wide Web-founded store for applications, and non worry around whether it's in neckcloth or if it'll work with my chosen OS.

Apparently, this won't make up everyone's solution. Your mileage may vary, but I am happy with a cloud-based life sentence online, and I've owned powerhouse gambling rigs, silent terminals, and everything in between. It's sporty what I'm ready for. Can Google provide this? After failing so miserably with the lofty ideas buns the Nexus One, I have concerns, but I for one am ready to hail our new, internet-based overlords.

[Via The Chrome Source]

Plain, Jason's continually busy over-reacting to things and, having a couple of moments to reflect after face-pounding his keyboard, orgasm back with something relatively considered and rational. If you remain quiet and stick around behind the yellow line, you can probably watch over the entire process via his twitter .