Google PCs Anyone?
Rumors, rumors! Sources say that Google is in talks with Walmart to sell a Google PC. Via an LA Times article (and to you via fellow blogger Nick Burns):
"The machine would run an operating system created by Google, not Microsoft’s Windows, which is one reason it would be so cheap — perhaps as little as a couple of hundred dollars. Bear Stearns analysts speculated in a research report last month that consumers would soon see something called "Google Cubes" — a small hardware box that could allow users to move songs, videos and other digital files between their computers and TV sets."
But then again, there have been a lot of crazy rumors lately haven’t there? Didn’t both Microsoft and Google buy Opera at some point? I like getting excited about the rumors out there, but I’ll believe it when I see it in this case. This rumor comes far too soon. Personally, I would be surprised to see a Google PC prior to the release of Google Office (a web-based office suite based on Star Office), though I would love to be proved wrong!
These "Google Cubes" sound interesting, but exactly how are they any different than a portable external drive? Sounds like a re-branded HD to me, and quite frankly, that’s not anything to get excited about. Besides, who wants to bet we’d pay more to get it in red, yellow, and blue than in Seagate gray? I guess we will find out Friday, when Larry Page, Google’s co-founder and president of products, gives a keynote address at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
My vote, Google Office, not Google PC….what’s yours?
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I would much rather see a Google Office or OS instead of a Google PC, but I suspect it will be some time before we see any of the above.
I think there could be some truth in this rumour. I mean look at the other technologies they’ve been working on, video search, wireless access for cities. The Google Cubes would leave Google in a position to become a content distributor. In a similar fashion to BSkyB, they could supply you with the hardware to watch it on and suppy the content to you through their own network. Plus the Google Cubes could bring some very nice features to a lot more homes than currently have them, such as VoIP and PVR boxes.
I think we should wait and see before we dismiss this completely
Cheers
It’s pretty much a rumor. Micrsoft’s examples of branching out into hardware and non-software ventures — WebTV, Xbox, Slate, MSNBC — have been decidedly mixed. I don’t see Google repeating those mistakes when it’s already doing so well concentrating on the content/infrastructure side.
I’m amused that the reports mention the “Google OS” as being a new creation. I’d think this OS would actually be a Linux flavor — customized in many cosmetic ways, but still Linux. Again, it’s moot because I don’t think it’s going to happen, but still.
Everyone’s denying it http://www.lightreading.com/do.....c_id=86268
My vote is on the Office not just because it is far more likely but because it goes to further their ability to complete their corporage agenda: to organize worlds information.
And why would an entrepreneurial for-profit corporation want to organize the worlds information?
To..make..money..
.. and in Google’s case, make that money on advertising. Look at all their projects. They are all centered on selling advertising by driving targeted advertising based on what you are looking at. The most relevant search accompanied with the commercial message someone paid for.
There is only one piece of the puzzle missing — ability to “edit” the worlds information. This was very easy to do with email, a little bit more difficult with documents, spreadsheets, presentation slides, math formulas and other.
I doubt you will see Google Office, Google Browser, etc mostly because it becomes an incredible support nightmare. Take a look at my take on this:
http://www.vladville.com/2005/.....sktop.html
Big applications require big-time support. They (and other big organizations) are contributing brain power and hours to enhancing free and open programs and turning the high-priced software into a commodity. Why own Office? It won’t be a cash cow as it is for Microsoft. So why take on the support costs when there are both commercial and open source support infrastructures for it.
You will see GoogleFS and storage procedures for use of Google networks and storage arrays — so it can be organized and then sold advertising on top of it.
That of course is just my opinion, I have no in-depth strategic information on Google though I am affiliated with the organization.
-Vlad Mazek