So, what is really the Google Chrome OS?

So, what is really the Google Chrome OS?

Some people compares it with Linux, and see it as an UI addon with the Chrome browser, but they miss the point. Google Chrome OS is really a paradigm shift. The idea is that nothing (except a crypted cache) will be stored locally. Everything else will be stored in the cloud.

That means that if you switch from one notebook to another, you will get exactly the same thing and environment.

For example, there are discussions why Chrome OS only supports SSD, and not the old disk types. The reason is speed. And it will not be expensive as you will not need much storage.

Another questions is why only some selected platforms will be supported. Again, the idea is not that you should replace your OS at your current home computer. The idea is that the next generation notebooks, as well as smaller devices, will bring a new way to work.

The goal of Google Wave

What is really the goal of Google Wave?

Is it to create a replacement for email?

Google have invited developers very early into the product process, long before most companies would open up access. I would say it is a form of Agile development. You get quick feedback on functionality, which makes it easier to find out what is really wanted.

I think Google doesn't really care what Google Wave is. They want to do something that people wants to use, and it doesn't really matter what it is as long as it gets popular. Because of that, the actual requirement specification is impossible to freeze early.

By involving users and developers this early, the Wave will have the possibility to evolve in a way that noone had anticipated.

Wave has some new ideas, or at least re-invented old ones. It is when you combine new ideas that real inventions are born. The type that few could have foreseen.

It will be interesting to see where this will lead. Will it be the next paradigm of Internet usage, or will be just another mail system?