Close
  • Latest News
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Video
  • Big Data and Analytics
  • Cloud
  • Networking
  • Cybersecurity
  • Applications
  • IT Management
  • Storage
  • Sponsored
  • Mobile
  • Small Business
  • Development
  • Database
  • Servers
  • Android
  • Apple
  • Innovation
  • Blogs
  • PC Hardware
  • Reviews
  • Search Engines
  • Virtualization
Read Down
Sign in
Close
Welcome!Log into your account
Forgot your password?
Read Down
Password recovery
Recover your password
Close
Search
Logo
Subscribe
Logo
  • Latest News
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Video
  • Big Data and Analytics
  • Cloud
  • Networking
  • Cybersecurity
  • Applications
  • IT Management
  • Storage
  • Sponsored
  • Mobile
  • Small Business
  • Development
  • Database
  • Servers
  • Android
  • Apple
  • Innovation
  • Blogs
  • PC Hardware
  • Reviews
  • Search Engines
  • Virtualization
More
    Subscribe
    Home Blogs Google Watch
    • Blogs
    • Google Watch
    • Search Engines

    Google Chrome Phone Rumor Debated

    Written by

    Clint Boulton
    Published June 7, 2011
    Share
    Facebook
    Twitter
    Linkedin

      eWEEK content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More.

      The idea of a smartphone based on Google’s Chrome operating system is getting some attention, but analysts don’t necessarily agree on the possibility.

      Anton Wahlman, a former sell-side equity research analyst covering the communications space, wrote on TheStreet.com that Google will launch its own Google Phone and that it will be based on Chrome OS, not Android.

      He sees Google taking the Chrome OS cloud paradigm, which means Web applications only, to the phone form factor.

      “This device would only have two major software parts — the OS and the only allowed browser. However, the OS treats the browser as a de-facto hostile application, not allowing it to modify the OS including locally install any applications.“

      The idea is that by not allowing locally stored apps to populate the phone, Google would improve security. Wahlman also suggested that this would threaten RIM’s BlackBerry Enterprise Server product:

      “There would be no traditional need to monitor and restrict the end user device using such comprehensive and active tools. The BES could be replaced by a much simpler management console which would focus more on device access, activity in the browser, and overall account device management only. Google could easily design such a product, causing a lot of headache for RIM.“

      Seems like a strong position, right? Wahlman’s idea has weight because Samsung is planning on building a completely cloud-centric phone, which could be based on the open-source Chromium project that propels Chrome. Motorola may also be mulling a cloud OS to put its eggs in a basket other than Android.

      I went to find analysts who either agree or disagree with this idea and found one of each.

      IDC analyst Al Hilwa told me the idea of a more complete dependency on the cloud is probably more suited for phones than for personal computers. Hilwa explained:

      “Given that phones are sold with connectivity, are more prone to loss, and in some cases have to be extremely low-cost such as to replace feature phones, and can require tighter enterprise management, then there is likely a market for cloud phones. Positioned for the right scenarios and at the right price, cloud phones may be viable. Of course the existing notion we have today of smart apps will be different for these cloud phones, so I see this as a separate platform from Android, with its primary capabilities being messaging and browsing, with lightweight browser apps.“

      Independent industry analyst Jack Gold had a different take, noting that a phone that only works when you have a strong data signal and can’t load apps is useless. Gold noted:

      “What if I want to check my calendar while on an airplane? How do I play games if I have to do it online only, or enter CRM data while in the basement of my client’s building?”

      Moreover, Gold said Google would have to do so much engineering to Chrome to make it work as a phone OS that they would end up with Android all over again.

      He also disagreed with Wahlman’s argument that building a Chrome phone would provide a cost advantage over an Android device.

      “So pretty much everything this fellow says is wrong, except for the security piece. He is correct that most phones have severe security issues that could be mitigated if everything was available as a cloud service only and never loaded on the phone. But the need to connect at all times, and the amount of data transfer required (and the resulting massive increase in data per month required, at a metered rate) makes this impractical.“

      What Gold said makes sense, but we also must acknowledge that there are cloud phone plans afoot by at least one phone maker.

      I’m not a smartphone technology expert, so I ask gentle readers: Do you think a Chrome OS-based phone is possible and what would it take for this model to work?

      Clint Boulton
      Clint Boulton

      Get the Free Newsletter!

      Subscribe to Daily Tech Insider for top news, trends & analysis

      Get the Free Newsletter!

      Subscribe to Daily Tech Insider for top news, trends & analysis

      MOST POPULAR ARTICLES

      Artificial Intelligence

      9 Best AI 3D Generators You Need...

      Sam Rinko - June 25, 2024 0
      AI 3D Generators are powerful tools for many different industries. Discover the best AI 3D Generators, and learn which is best for your specific use case.
      Read more
      Cloud

      RingCentral Expands Its Collaboration Platform

      Zeus Kerravala - November 22, 2023 0
      RingCentral adds AI-enabled contact center and hybrid event products to its suite of collaboration services.
      Read more
      Artificial Intelligence

      8 Best AI Data Analytics Software &...

      Aminu Abdullahi - January 18, 2024 0
      Learn the top AI data analytics software to use. Compare AI data analytics solutions & features to make the best choice for your business.
      Read more
      Latest News

      Zeus Kerravala on Networking: Multicloud, 5G, and...

      James Maguire - December 16, 2022 0
      I spoke with Zeus Kerravala, industry analyst at ZK Research, about the rapid changes in enterprise networking, as tech advances and digital transformation prompt...
      Read more
      Video

      Datadog President Amit Agarwal on Trends in...

      James Maguire - November 11, 2022 0
      I spoke with Amit Agarwal, President of Datadog, about infrastructure observability, from current trends to key challenges to the future of this rapidly growing...
      Read more
      Logo

      eWeek has the latest technology news and analysis, buying guides, and product reviews for IT professionals and technology buyers. The site’s focus is on innovative solutions and covering in-depth technical content. eWeek stays on the cutting edge of technology news and IT trends through interviews and expert analysis. Gain insight from top innovators and thought leaders in the fields of IT, business, enterprise software, startups, and more.

      Facebook
      Linkedin
      RSS
      Twitter
      Youtube

      Advertisers

      Advertise with TechnologyAdvice on eWeek and our other IT-focused platforms.

      Advertise with Us

      Menu

      • About eWeek
      • Subscribe to our Newsletter
      • Latest News

      Our Brands

      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms
      • About
      • Contact
      • Advertise
      • Sitemap
      • California – Do Not Sell My Information

      Property of TechnologyAdvice.
      © 2024 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

      Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.