And because of it Google(NASDAQ:GOOG), Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) are all quaking in their collective boots. Well, not really, but the idea of a platform neutral OS similar to Android is a powerful one. Google has Chromebooks and now Chromeboxes, neither of which are products that are truly worth anything when entry-level 13″ laptops are similarly priced. Why buy a web browser with an attitude problem as your PC when you can get a real one for the same money and actually do something with it?
The idea boggles the mind. but, then again so does Google+, frankly, even though I have an account that I mostly ignore.
But, as the basis for a smartphone OS now? The browser with the over-sized ego is not a bad idea, as long as you can play Pocket God and Angry Birds really what else is there? Oh right, Words with Friends. Silly me.
Actually, I’m slagging this idea but only in a very general sense. I think it’s a bit too early. I also think it’s the future and the reason why Microsoft is so dead set on pushing us towards Metro and their HTML 5/JavaScript environment. Look, Windows 8 upgrades are going to be $39.99 which means for the first time in my life I’ll be willing to shell out money for an OS from Microsoft that didn’t come with the computer I bought with it. Apple is giving OS/X away for free now and Android is essentially free (except for the nasty license agreement with Microsoft *cough* IP inanity *cough*). The future in revenues is what’s behind the OS not the OS itself. If Mozilla and Firefox can build a competent app serving ecosystem it will be always be there along with Linux to remind the big boys that they have to keep the value proposition for their coolness high or their won’t be a coolness anymore.
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