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Google gets into OS game

After developing the Android operating system for phones it was only a matter of time before Google would announce an operating system for computers as well - something that competes directly against Microsoft Windows, Apple OSX and all the different

After developing the Android operating system for phones it was only a matter of time before Google would announce an operating system for computers as well - something that competes directly against Microsoft Windows, Apple OSX and all the different flavours of Linux out there.

The "why" is obvious, as people do the majority of their computing on the web these days, and Google already has the top search engine, a solid if under-utilized browser, and a whole suite of online web applications for everything from photo archiving and editing to e-mail, from calendars to word processing to spreadsheets. Google is also working on an online 3D modeling plug-in, music player, etc. to fill in the gaps in their software suite, while simultaneously releasing their code to other developers to produce third party software titles.

But while it makes sense for Google to move in this direction with an operating system - especially with the current popularity of low-tech netbooks where smaller programs are preferred, as well the general movement towards online "cloud" computing - it also makes no sense at all.

Cnet.com, an authority of sorts, tried to comprehend the Google Chrome OS strategy, and this is the best they could come up with:

"Google is after your time, not your money. It can try to get more of your time in the same ways Microsoft tries to get more of your money. Will the Chrome OS increase the time people spend in front of the computer? No, quite the opposite. There will inevitably be less to do on a Chrome OS computer than on a Mac or Windows machine. Buying a Chrome-based Netbook means giving up the chance to run most Windows games, Apple's iLife suite, and other popular software. But for Google the key is this: once you've got a Chrome system, Google's in charged of ALL the time you spend with it."

In the very next paragraph the reviewer admitted that even he didn't think that explanation was "good enough" to explain Google's intentions.

Making things even more confusing, you can run the Chrome OS environment - file managers, navigation tools, etc. - within the Google Chrome browser, so you can still run Windows or Apple's OSX in the background.

Which also makes no sense - who needs a separate operating system running in a browser that's less powerful than the operating system at work behind it?

So let's consider the money angle. For example, netbook companies - and pretty much all laptop manufacturers are making and selling netbooks these days - could hammer out exclusive rights with Google where they get a share of search engine revenue in exchange for shipping those systems with Google Chrome OS. Those netbook companies are currently spending money developing their own Linux interfaces, or purchasing licenses for scaled down versions of Windows XP - money they could save by adopting the free Google Chrome OS, while earning some revenue in the process. But at the same time they risk alienating customers that prefer Microsoft or Linux software.

My expectation is that netbooks will come with an option that lets purchasers pick their operating system, maybe with a small price difference that reflects the cost of Linux development and Microsoft licence fees. But even in that case I'm not completely sure that Google Chrome will win much in the way of marketshare.

We'll know more in the second half of 2010.

Summer Games

Right now gamers are in a bit of a dilemma. Usually game companies wait until October and November to release their big titles but the success of games like Halo 3 changed the landscape and proved that the summer games market - once thought to be as non-existent as the summer television audience - is alive and well.

Some of the games being released this summer include Prototype, Infamous, Overlord 2, Battlefield 1943 (online multiplayer only), Brutal Legend, NHL 2010, Ghostbusters, Red Faction: Guerilla, Punch-Out!, Batman: Arkham Asylum, Halo 3: ODST, and The Beatles: Rock Band, to name just a few.

While there are different offerings for all the game consoles, most of the games on this list have received extremely good reviews, which doesn't help the consumer one bit.

Here are a few recommendations that could save you some cash while you make your decision:

• Unless a game has an online multiplayer that's intriguing, you're usually better off renting than buying. That includes Prototype, Brutal Legend, Ghostbusters, etc. If there's strategy involved and you can play a game two ways you might want to consider a purchase, but even then it pays to wait about three months for the price to drop a little.

• Battlefield 1943 is available for about $18 as a download on PS3 and Xbox 360 consoles. It's a multiplayer, online-only, World War II simulator and first person shooter that could literally provide hundreds of hours of entertainment, and could be the best value for your money this summer. Just make sure your friends get it as well.

• PC gamers usually have to wait for ports of console games these days, but there's lots of good free stuff out there to keep you occupied until the price drops. Consider downloading Elder Scrolls II Daggerfall (www.elderscrolls.com), which is available for free. The game's pretty old (over 10 years now) and graphics are not up to snuff with today's games, but it was a great role playing game in its day and you should get a lot of joy out of it.

• Buy NHL 2010 when it comes out. NHL 2009 was called the best sports game ever made by more than one reviewer, and 2010 only builds on that. Huge replayability here and it will draw friends to your house like flies. The Beatles: Rock Band is also attractive in the same way, while also providing one of those rare games both girls and guys can play together.