I would like to hear a clear definition of a Web OS. Wikipedia lists a lot of technical jargon and research theory as a definition. If you look further down, you will see … “More generally, WebOS has been taken to refer to a software platform that interacts with the user through a web browser and does not depend on any particular local operating system.” Sounds like a browser to me.
There is a laundry list of sites coming out claiming to be a Web OS and to me it’s a portal with mashed up web services. Sure, it looks like a desktop with a ‘start’ menu, icons, drag n drop windows — but those features do not make it an operating system. It makes it a dynamic web page.
I heard all kinds of good things about YouOS so I decided to give it a try, even though they blatantly state on their website that they are “(Still wayyyy alpha.)“. Frankly, I was not impressed. I see no more value in a web application like this than I do a Yahoo or Google portal. Although YouOS says that the definition of a Web OS is evolving, their short and sweet answer to my question above is:
“YouOS is a web operating system that lets you run diverse applications within a web browser. Small applications like sticky notes or clocks. Large applications like word processing, mp3 players, and instant messaging. Even better, it’s very easy to tweak an existing application or write your own.”
You can read their manifesto here.
Now don’t get me wrong – I think the technology behind these are awesome and the companies producing these are pioneers in an infant niche. But I honestly do not see the necessity of creating such a platform. To me, a portal is a portal is a portal. But, we will wait and see. These are definitely far before their time.
Find out more:
Web OS Market Review | Richard MacManus
Rethinking the Web OS from a user’s point of view | Jeremy Zawodny
WebOS | Wikipedia
web os | google blog search
What is a web os? | google search
Related posts:
- Google is a Portal John Battelle says Google is a portal. I believe him....
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I have seen a couple of these Web OS implementations and I don’t know what the developers are thinking. They have the same things that are already available as desktop applications and widgets… not exactly a good case for need.