Over the years, we only really had two operating systems on PCs, Windows and Mac. Now, we have Chrome OS and Chromebooks, being sold. Chromebooks are pretty good, for casual users. They offer a streamlined, and safe experience, where people can’t screw their computers up.
Recently, Chromebooks have begun getting Android apps, apart of the operating system. Chrome OS, originally was just a browser based operating system, with the bare necessities, and a file explorer. Now, it is inching closer to something more useful, especially with Android apps. Albeit, Android Apps are still not nearly as sophisticated as desktop Windows programs, yet.
Imagine, if Chrome OS further matured, and offered tools, that could be found in Windows? Also, imagine if you could run Adobe Premiere, Lightroom, or Photoshop. If Chrome OS, matures to a point, where it maintains it’s fast speed, and also usefulness for power/advanced users. Could Chrome OS and Chromebooks, soon challenge Windows and Mac PCs?
What do you think?
skane2600
<p>IMO including Android apps doesn't make a Chromebook a better workstation but does undermine the security and simplicity that was its fundamental purpose. With the exception of apps that are inherently useful in a mobile environment, iOS and Android apps are really in the category of "good enough for mobile". There's little point in ChromeOS eventually morphing into a Windows or Mac OS clone since we already have that functionality available. </p>
skane2600
<blockquote><a href="#226777"><em>In reply to hrlngrv:</em></a></blockquote><p>You and NK may be right. My opinion was just based on the knowledge that malicious apps exist in the Play Store and the general principle that supporting additional ecosystems can potentially widen the window of abuse. These issues may be mitigated or eliminated due to the way Android support is implemented in ChromeOS. We'll have to see.</p><p><br></p><p>I agree that there's a trade-off between simplicity and functionality and I believe there's also a trade-off between security and power. </p>
skane2600
<blockquote><a href="#226747"><em>In reply to Nicholas_Kathrein:</em></a></blockquote><p>I don't see a lot of advantage to Windows S (on ARM or on Intel) over Chromebooks. I'm ignoring the Windows 10 Pro emulation edition upgrade option since it isn't Windows 10 S. But ultimately Chromebooks real competition is Full non-emulated Windows or MacOS. Currently Chromebooks and Windows 10 S are competing over the crumbs from the big-boy table.</p>
skane2600
<blockquote><a href="#226774"><em>In reply to hrlngrv:</em></a></blockquote><p>I guess it depends on one's definition of "widely used". Rather than claims about usage percentages, I think the implication is that these tools are standards and are important. I agree. I don't think there's really any debate about the usefulness of Chromebooks for a subset of casual users, but a PC or Mac replacement requires much more.</p>
skane2600
<blockquote><a href="#227348"><em>In reply to hrlngrv:</em></a></blockquote><p>You're really comparing Abobe's usage numbers to GNU R? </p>
Bats
<p>Chrome OS and Chromebooks are already challenging Windows and Mac PCs. At this stage of the desktop computing, Microsoft and Windows have everything to lose. Their whole revenue stream comes from the licensing of their Operating Systems and such. Whatever effects that stream, their stock price and the Microsoft Universe goes nuts. </p><p><br></p><p>Any gain in marketshare by Chrome OS, is a red alert for Microsoft and a victory for Chrome. </p>
skane2600
<blockquote><a href="#227594"><em>In reply to ghostrider:</em></a></blockquote><p>Notepad++ is just one application. There are thousands of Windows programs that aren't available on Chromebooks.</p>