In a move that will be seen as a direct challenge to Microsoft’s domination of the media business, Google Inc. is preparing to launch a low-price personal computer, reports the Los Angeles Times newspaper.
In recent years, Microsoft Corp. has become the undisputed leader of the media landscape with its Windows operating system, which set the pace in office computing, video game consoles, home networking systems and TV set-top boxes industries.
Now however, Google Inc. is entering the fast changing media business arena. Though not as cash-rich as Microsoft, the Internet search leader is considered Microsoft's fastest growing competitor. Media experts believe Google can shake up the established order in the field of entertainment and technology by the end of this year. Analysts at investment house Bear Stearns last month claimed that Google was preparing a box capable of moving digital Internet-sourced media content around the home using local wireless or wired networks.
Google PCs will be available at Wal-Mart stores and other retail outlets. The machine will uilitize Google’s own operating system, a contributory factor in its pricing level at just $200. The Google Operating System is far from displacing the Beast of Redmond from its throne, particularly in the desktop segment as many PC manufacturers still install Microsoft's Windows operating system.
"Google Cubes" —small hardware boxes enabling users to move songs and digital files to and from their PCs and TV sets - will also be introduced to the market. Google co-founder Larry Page is due to address an audience on Friday at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. He is expected to give more details about both the product and the distribution structure Google will employ to market this product.
Whilst the idea of a low-cost, information system for consumers is a good one, previous attempts to launch a competitor to the established order have failed due to lack of funding. With Google’s name and the huge marketing and distribution program the company plans to employ, cheaper Google-made PCs stand a real chance of succeeding where others have previously failed.
Copyright 2005 PhysOrg.com
Related stories:
Soft economy speeds newspaper decline, job cuts
(AP) -- The newspaper industry's downward spiral is accelerating as the weak U.S. economy depresses already-tumbling advertising revenue and forces more rounds of job cuts and other trims.
NASA data helps pinpoint impacted populations in disaster aftermath
When two catastrophic natural disasters struck within days of each other in May 2008, disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and health officials, as well as members of the news media tapped into a unique set of NASA data products describing the location of the exposed populations. In the hours and days following the cyclone in Burma and the earthquake in China's Sichuan Province, workers had the data they needed to assess the numbers of people possibly affected in these deadly events. What arose was a timely example of how NASA data comes to the aid of officials when such disasters occur.
Hundreds Click on 'Click Here to Get Infected' Ad
The fact that 409 people clicked on an ad that offers infection for those with virus-free PCs proves that people will click on just about anything.
Google Keeps Close Eye on Open Source
Q&A: Chris DiBona, a programs manager for Google, talks about how the company uses open-source software and what it contributes to the open-source community.
IAC to Launch Ask Mobile GPS Service
IAC/InterActiveCorp. said it launched on Friday a new mobile application for its Ask.com Web search service to help consumers find friends, shops and services based on their location at a given moment. "Ask Mobile GPS," or Global Positioning System, was launched on Ask.com's Web site on Friday and will be available next week on Sprint Nextel Corp. through a deal between the No. 3 U.S. wireless carrier and WaveMarket, which provides location-based services for mobile phones.
Harmony Remotes To Include Speech Recognition, Search
The future of the universal remote control includes voice recognition, search and biometrics, the founder of Logitech's Harmony business unit said Thursday.
Microsoft's BizTalk Services Simplify SOA
Microsoft's new BizTalk Services could have an impact on composite applications and service-oriented architecture, users and analysts say.
OLPC Notebooks Delayed Until Fourth Quarter
A representative from the One Laptop per Child (OLPC) initiative confirmed on Friday that notebook shipments will be delayed until the fourth quarter of 2007.
