I was invited to a Google HTML5 tech talk. Learnt some of their plans and next steps regarding IndexedDB as part of the local storage strategy for HTML5.
But the real surprise came when they announced that they would give attendees a Chrome OS device as pilot devices. Google's goal is to have us test drive these devices and give them feedback. Thank you Google!
Well, first things first. Why do we need a Chrome OS Device?
According to Google, last 25 years of computer and laptop development have added a lot of not-any-more-needed cruft to our computers. For example, does BIOS still needs to check the existence of Floppy Drive when starting? Also, most people (yes my dear wife is a member of this club!) tend to spend all their time inside a Browser. Considering these, Google felt that the world needs a ground up device which is built completely for a browser and cloud based services.
Let me describe the key things which I have seen so far.
1. It is a pretty minimalistic laptop form factor, overall lighter, lesser keyboard with a very functional design. It comes with touchpad supporting single tap and double finger swipe. The keyboard has a set of browser friendly keys (has a search key).
2. Getting started was painless. After plugging in the battery, the device started up asked me to log in with my Google Account, took a picture and I was set.
Wonder how will it behave if i did not have a Google account?
3. Upon startup I see a Chrome Browser with access to Gmail , Docs, YouTube and a few other applications.
4. This is a completely internet connected device which immediately discovered Wi-Fi connections. It also has a 3G connectivity package from Verizon Wireless. It seems to be priced at $9.99 a month, but I am yet to check it out.
5. The device seems to be a cloud-enabled and the promise is to be worry free from all your documents, pictures and emails being lost from a crash or virus since they are supposedly stored and protected in the Google Cloud for us.
6. CloudPrint - It seems Google is working with a set of printer manufacturers to make them cloud ready and as consumers we should be able to connect and print to a remote printer without having to go through the pains of installing a driver.
7. App Store - Chrome App Store is already open for business and Google is encouraging developers to submit their HTML5 enabled webapps. This to me is quite fascinating.
8. Instant-On - It seems the startup time is around 1 sec.
9. Guest Mode - For non-registered users there is a guest mode to browse the web.
10. Confusion & Conclusion
With tens of Android devices coming after the iPad juggernaut, I am not sure how to use yet another device! But the idea of a cloud ready, browser only, cruft-free device seems like it may have a future. We will have to wait till the jury deliberates.
But I am feeling reasonably strong that HTML5 is a strong contender for next-gen development. And the idea of App-Store from iOS, MacOS, Android and now on to Chrome OS will democratize app development giving smaller talented developers a level playing field to compete. Nice!
