"Earlier this week Everex launched the gPC TC2502, which is a sub-USD 200 PC sold at a major US retailer, but what makes this unique is that it runs the gOS. The gOS (GreenOS) is designed to be a conceptual Google Operating System that is based upon Ubuntu 7.10 Gutsy Gibbon. Though this is not the conventional GNOME desktop environment but an Enlightenment E17 desktop is used that is heavily modified and reflects a green Google theme. The gOS provides easy access to Google services such as YouTube, Google Product Search, Google Calendar, and Google Maps. Also a click away are other web services such as Wikipedia and Facebook. This isn't a pure Internet desktop but Xine, Skype, OpenOffice.org, and other applications are available for this Linux LiveCD. We've been trying the gOS out for a while and it's a rather nice slim desktop Linux distribution that would be perfect for Internet cafes and other public places." More screenshots.
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Member since:2005-07-07
I doubt Google would sell any operating system they design, like mostly everything else it would be ad supported. In that regard, this is saving them money. They're getting the ad revenue, but they don't have to put forth the development effort.
I do find it interesting that Everex chose a perpetually beta window manager for such a commercial product offering. Maybe because it offers the advanced yet simple graphical look and feel similar to KDE4, but keeps configuration out of the users way beyond even Gnome?
I also find it interesting that Everex is opening up their work so fully. I definitely respect it, but at the same time I wonder if they'll be able to maintain dominance in their own software's market if it takes off. Anyone can build a system and throw their operating system on without Everex receiving a penny. I doubt anyone is going to be particularly interested in Everex's hardware, much like Apple.
Member since:2005-07-12
I have always found it curious how google continues to grow while raking in billions in revenue and yet we are willing to ascribe "genius" to those who could not possibly achieve the same by borrowing from google's success. I'm not saying gOS isn't a great idea, and it looks absolutely fantastic.
How many times do we have to hear how "stupid" google is for not releasing it's own OS. google seems to be doing just fine. or isn't it?
Member since:
2006-03-02
gOS... hmm. Yeah, I guess Google is beating itself over the head for not releasing a Google OS/copyrighting the name... It looks like some unknown company has beaten Google to it's own OS. This could potentially be big.
Unless, of course, Google goes against the grain starts an operating system from scratch, and doesn't simply tag a Linux distro with the "Google" name and call it "gOS". Oops, already done.
Well, congrats to Everex. They had a good idea, "beat out " Google, and are selling it at Walmart, for goodness sakes. Genius.