As of the failed experiment turned into a Chrome OS Windows competitor

How it all began

A few years ago, Google introduced Chrome OS operating system, which is essentially the Chrome browser. Many viewed it as a failed experiment, as the full-fledged operating system it does not pulling. Without access to the Chrome OS network was practically useless, habitual soft absent. The users were available only to Google services, and numerous extensions, the familiar Chrome browser.

However, there were in it and its advantages: for the system does not require powerful hardware and the cost of the laptop did not exceed $ 300. It is cheaper to most devices on Windows, not to mention the MacBook.

It is not just a browser

Since then, it took almost seven years, and much has changed. The system has become more functional, self-sufficient, gained support offline programs. Yes, when you connect to the internet it is still able to more, but now it can be said about any operating system. Offline, you can listen to music, watch movies, work on documents. Such opportunities will satisfy the requirements of most users.

Google calculation was correct: the people most of the time in the browser. Or rather - in google Chrome. Its share is about 50%, making it the most popular in the world. "If so - decided in the Google - keep available device, which is your favorite browser with all kinds of extensions." And yet, nothing superfluous. The interface is simple and concise, his master even a child.

Speaking of children, most often purchased Chromebook for education and corporate segment. Due to this in the first quarter of 2016 in US laptops with Chrome OS walked on Apple laptops sales. Nearly 2 million against 1.76 million - a major achievement browser-based operating system.

But Google is the main blow inflicted recently, in May 2016. Something that many were waiting for: in the near future Chrome OS will get native support for Android-applications. Chromebook owners lucky enough, because in the near future they will be available for almost the entire range of Google Play! Once solved the problem about the number of applications and depending on the Internet. It is important that the application will not be emulated, and are native, ie have access to Wi-Fi, memory, processor and other necessary components.

In fact, is now another Android-powered device in front of us, but with more features. Yes, this is not a Windows or OS XBut for the vast majority of users Chromebook functionality will be enough.

Chromebook Goodies

1. Price

I'll start with the most important - the cost of the Chromebook. In the US, low-cost laptop to Windows will cost 400-700 dollars. MacBook price starts from $ 899. At the same time, the price of most Chromebook does not exceed $ 300. An excellent choice for pupils, students and ordinary people who just need a laptop to the Internet but to sit to work with documents.

2. Simplicity

Chromebook easy to use. They are bright, easy to set up, they are able to master everything, from children to the elderly. That is why the Chromebook so popular in schools and the corporate sector.

3. Big choice

Chromebook model range is quite extensive. There are laptops with screen sizes of 11 to 15 inches. Iron is also the most diverse: from mobile processors that are typically installed in smartphones to Intel processors.

4. Ecosystem

If you are the owner of Android-smartphone, Chromebook will be a worthy addition to your ecosystem. Thanks to Google services all data is synchronized. Similarly, you can work with third-party software through native support for Android-applications.

Cons Chrome OS

1. Depending on the network

Like it or not, work Chromebook is tied to the Web. Without the Internet their ability to tend to zero. Despite the fact that the Internet is now everywhere, for many, it can become a serious problem.

2. The lack of "adult" software

Chromebook is not suitable for serious work. Not work to install Photoshop, AutoCAD and other software, which runs on Windows and OS X. Similar devices are more suitable for those who most of the time in the browser, as well as for those who actively use Google services.

What's next?

Of course, for seven years, Google has made a huge step, but, according to experts, this is only the beginning. Once the system begins to support the Android-application, its popularity will increase many times.

From fun experiment it will turn into an extended version of Android for budget notebooks. And in this case will not rival Apple, which is focused on the premium segment, and Microsoft. After all, it basically makes a sale of software for the corporate segment and licenses for sales of laptops. The sharp rise in the popularity of devices on Chrome OS can fairly spoil Microsoft life.