zach pippin

After telling yall about the services I already use [Gmail, Google Docs, Calendar, Chrome] I figured I’d tell you about where I see my use of Google in the future.

1. Chrome OS

I alluded to Chrome OS in my Chrome browser review. It is supposed to be released sometime next year. It will be based on the browser build. It will run primarily web apps, suitable for cloud computing. Except for video editing, 99% of my time on my computer is spent in my web browser anyways. I will probably purchase a netbook, convenient for my many travels, with Chrome OS. Google is releasing Chrome OS for free, so the computers will be cheaper than Windows netbooks due to lack of licensing fees. Not to mention the fact that it is open source and should be faster, more stable, and have more potential than any PC ever could.

2. Android OS

Yes, that means just what you think. If you know me, then you know that I’ve wanted an iPhone since it came out. That has changed recently however. There are several reasons. There are plenty of choices in phones and carriers for the Android OS. Since they’re powered by Google, Android phones integrate much better with Google services; it’s a bit of a hassle to sync most of my Google information with my iPod Touch [iPhone OS]. This integration includes the increasingly popular Google Voice. Android gladly accepts Google Voice apps, something that Apple has famously rejected.  Finally, it’s open source. Google and the Android market seem much more open the developers than the restrictive and ambiguous iPhone App approval process.  Yes, I am now planning on getting an Android phone, possibly Droid, Eris, of the rumoured gPhone,  rather than the iPhone. Apple and AT&T better get with the program. If they rest on their laurels Google will dethrone the “invincible” iPhone before too long.

3. Mobile Phone Service?

This one is pure speculation.  Google has been providing MuniFi, city wide WiFi for free for several years in Mountain View , CA. Google also recently announced free WiFi in 47 airports around the US. I can only see the services growing. Google, along with other companies, will eventually blanket the US with free[ or cheap] WiFi. I predict we will then see a migration from traditional cell phones to WiFi enabled devices [such as iPod Touch, or dedicated WiFi phones] utilizing free VoIP  services  such as Skype. I also believe that Google Voice will eventually morph into a VoIP service to compete with Skype. Individuals will no longer have separate internet and mobile phone bills, instead we will probably pay at most a subscription fee to a nationwide WiFi signal that will power all of our devices. Just wishful thinking for now, but in 2012 when it all happens, I told you so.