TechRadar has pulled together the first screenshots of Google Chrome OS, from the application menu to the in-browser chess.
In truth, the concept of Chrome OS will confuse many, being a major step away from the traditional concept of the operating system.
Chrome OS is, at heart, a browser with some key additions and it is far from a direct competitor for Microsoft's Windows just yet.
The applications panel. A key part of the Chrome OS is the applications panel - the thing most comparable to a traditional desktop or start bar. This is where apps will be launched from - including Gmail, Google Docs and Calendar.
As you can see from the shot - the look and feel is still that of a browser, with tabs etc. The applications panel is launched from an icon in the top left of the screen.
Multiple sessions: Google insisted that this part of the user interface (UI) would change, but this indicates how a user can have multiple groups of tasks (essentially multiple browsers) running at the same time so that a user can shuttle between them.
Native music support:Native music and video support is key to Chrome - as you may expect.
Clicking on a music link in Google's new Google music search integration brings up a player and off we go.
Panels: Panels are key to Chrome OS. Chat, music, notepad and other apps can all run in panels - just like the familiar Google Chat pop up in Gmail.
Browser: As you can see - when you are surfing, the OS looks exactly like the Chrome browser. As Sundar Pichai, Vice President of Product Management, told the conference "Chrome IS Chrome OS".
Chess in Chrome OS: Chess was one of the applications shown running in Chrome OS - it runs either in a tab or full screen. As Google points out: "Any web app is a Chrome OS app".
Documents: Obviously the way in which files are handled is a key factor - and Chrome OS simply translates the familiar trees into a browser tab.
Books: Google made special mention of the way in which books in Google Books render. Will Chrome OS Devices be looking to take on eReaders?
Your comments (5) Click to add a new comment
mattdoc30
November 20th 2009
5. I'm excited by this, it'd be nice to see a tablet that acts a surfing tool and e-book reader and then to have some kind of 'dock' that links it to your telly and sound system for use with things like iPlayer and Hulu in HD!
And with the likes of the streaming gaming services about to emerge and cloud computing about to explode, this could be just the right time for Chrome to launch.
Very much looking forward to whats ahead with this
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gaspy
November 20th 2009
4. I am the author of the chess app and I am truly honored by Google's decision to include the game with their OS.
You can play the game here: http://www.flashchess3.com
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nitrofan
November 20th 2009
3. I like the look of this, it looks lean and purposeful, I hope Google avoid all the animated nonsense and keep it simple, lite, fast and stable. It is about time the OS became the least important part of the user learning curve.
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watcherzero
November 20th 2009
2. Too white, Think of the battery life!!!
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tech89
November 19th 2009
1. It looks bleak is my personal opinion. They need to put some color into it which is what Microsoft and apple have done and it makes it more appealing to purchase. If people are pleased visually then theres a very good chance of a sale. Functionality is all the same between OS's, It's just a different way of putting the buttons etc, it's layout will be its selling point if they can convince people its easier to use than other OS's.
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