Google brings Chrome OS straight into Windows 8


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chromeoswindows8update1_1020_large_verge

 

 

Google started dropping hints about its Chrome OS-like plans for Windows 8 back in October. At the time it was merely an experiment in the developer version of Chrome, but today Google is rolling out a new user interface to all Chrome Windows users alongside a noisy tabs tracking feature. The new "Metro" mode essentially converts Chrome for Windows 8 into Chrome OS. Just like Google's full Chrome OS, you can create multiple browser windows and arrange them using a snap to the left or right of the display or full-screen modes. There's even a shelf with Chrome, Gmail, Google, Docs, and YouTube icons that can be arranged at the bottom, left, or right of the screen.

 

An app launcher is also available in the lower left-hand corner, providing access to search and recent apps. It?s all clearly designed to work well with touch on Windows 8, something that the traditional desktop version of Chrome has not focused on so far. The "Metro" mode presents the keyboard automatically, and also includes the ability to navigate and resize windows within the Chrome OS-like environment. Some UI elements still require some touch optimization, but overall it?s a better experience than the existing desktop version with touch.

 

While the Chrome browser acts as a Windows 8 application, it's using a special mode that Microsoft has enabled specifically for web browsers. The software maker allows browsers on Windows 8 to launch in its "Metro-style" environment providing they're set as default. The applications are listed in the Windows Store and they're still desktop apps, but the exception allows them to mimic Windows 8 apps and access the app and snapping features of the OS. While Chrome runs in this mode on Windows 8, Microsoft does not permit this type of behavior on Windows RT.

 

Google?s latest update for Windows 8 is clearly a big step forwards in its Chrome Apps initiative. The search giant is working with developers to create apps that exist outside of the browser and extend Chrome?s reach into more of a platform for third parties to build upon. Having a Chrome OS-like environment directly inside of Windows 8 extends Google?s browser into a Trojan horse to eventually convince users to download more and more Chrome Apps and possibly push them towards Chrome OS in the future.

 

We?ve reached out to Microsoft for comment on whether Google?s latest Chrome OS update conforms with the Metro-style browser policies, and we?ll update you accordingly.

 

 

 

Screens:  http://www.theverge.com/2013/10/5/4806560/chrome-os-on-windows-8-screenshots

 

http://www.theverge.com/2014/1/14/5309326/google-chrome-windows-update-chrome-os-interface

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google is seriously missing the point of the modern apps

 

Hey if you have a full screen you gotta use.. might as well. 

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This could come in handy on April 1st.

 

"I replaced Windows with Chrome OS! Hope you don't mind! You don't need local programs, right?"

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Which ones?

As much as I like to poke fun at Google.. even Microsoft doesn't follow Microsoft's guidelines half the time.

That said, zero interest myself (I'd rather see my other applications too..) but I can see people who are really heavy into Google apps maybe wanting this.

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Yuck. I believe they call that a Trojan Horse. Block it.

not a windows store app, no big deal, but this validates and justifies microsofts decision to go with the windows store and have more of a controlled environment for applications. 

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not a windows store app, no big deal, but this validates and justifies microsofts decision to go with the windows store and have more of a controlled environment for applications. 

How does this justify or validate anything?  This just give more freedom to people that DO want to use Chrome apps.

 

As +techbeck said, "Don't want it?  Don't use it."

 

I personally don't want a more controlled environment.  You have to wait for apps to be ported, or don't get them at all.  I'll take more options over less any day.

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google is seriously missing the point of the modern apps

No, it isn't.  The issue (for Google) is that it simply prefers its OWN app model to Microsoft's.  The two are not mutually exclusive (for the simple reason that the suddenly-far-larger Chrome is still a browser) - however, how many developers will go exclusively-Google/Chrome?  (Right now, the majority of exclusive plug-ins for Chrome are niche sorts - such as Wolfram Alpha.)  My complaint (with the Google browser) is that it needs to work more on basic features that it already has (in particular, the included support for Adobe Flash) if it expects the Trojan Browser strategy to gain traction.

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This is good news for Windows 8, honestly.  Now you can get best of both worlds when you buy a Windows tablet: ChromeOS and Windows 8, and jump between them, if that's what you're into.  I'll probably give it a shot just out of curiosity.  It also means that if Google is going to put this much work into the metro side of things, they obviously have started taking it seriously.

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google is seriously missing the point of the modern apps

I think everyone is missing the point of modern apps. Developers are scratching their head thinking 'this is draconian/oppressive' inregards to the store and MS themselves cannot even ensure quality apps on the store, they are mostly wishy washy, and do not follow strict metro guidelines. If you want to call Googled software inferior to modern apps, wow then you seriously need to have a look at functionality wise what the trade offs are. Most fanboys coming into the this thread all do the same thing : quickly discredit google with an one liner statement " of this spyware, insert some off topic comment" sorta ramble.

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I think everyone is missing the point of modern apps. Developers are scratching their head thinking 'this is draconian/oppressive' inregards to the store and MS themselves cannot even ensure quality apps on the store, they are mostly wishy washy, and do not follow strict metro guidelines. If you want to call Googled software inferior to modern apps, wow then you seriously need to have a look at functionality wise what the trade offs are. Most fanboys coming into the this thread all do the same thing : quickly discredit google with an one liner statement " of this spyware, insert some off topic comment" sorta ramble.

 

From a UI standpoint Chrome in the Modern interface stinks. It's just the desktop app in full screen. It has horrible touch support for things like closing tabs and the UI does not lend itself to smaller screens at all.

 

From a functionality standpoint, it's very promising. I do like having the Google services available, and having the ChromeOS experience in Windows isn't bad by any means.

 

There's a reason why MS is trying to keep the interface standard, it works and it makes for a better overall experience. However, some programs do not lend themselves well to this interface, and should be exempted. Chrome is not one of them.

 

I should add that Chrome is my primary browser, but not my default browser.

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How does this justify or validate anything?  This just give more freedom to people that DO want to use Chrome apps.

 

windows is not something you just dump something on. its not a truck.

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How does this justify or validate anything?  This just give more freedom to people that DO want to use Chrome apps.

 

People just like to bash what they hate is all.  This is no different than installing MS Office or a different web browser.  No one is forcing anyone to install or use this.  Myself, I will not be installing it.

windows is not something you just dump something on. its not a truck.

 

Huh?  This is like any other app that have been "dumped" on Windows for decades.

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i am not certain about the release builds however, this has been around since at least November on the dev builds. its kind clunky and very strange to see running. I can honestly say other than toying around with it. I will never use the feature.

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I personally don't want a more controlled environment.  You have to wait for apps to be ported, or don't get them at all.  I'll take more options over less any day.

 

Amen. The Windows 8 apologists defending turning the PC into a closed-platform do more to drive me away from Windows than any campaign from Apple or Google could ever hope to.

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