It Has Android
There is perhaps a simple, easy reason Google decided against bringing Chrome OS to tablets: it already has Android. On mobile devices, the company’s Android operating system is performing extremely well. It would only make sense for Google to not want to mess with that success with a competitor of its own.
Consumer Confusion?
Google’s decision to bring Chrome OS to notebooks might have something to do with its desire to not want to confuse customers. If the company brought Chrome OS to tablets, consumers wouldn’t know whether to choose Android or Chrome OS. And in that case, no one would win. Confusion has crippled many firms in the past—and Google doesn’t want to be one of them.
It’s What Consumers Know
Whenever a company unveils a new software platform, it’s easiest to introduce the operating system on hardware consumers know. And although tablets are gaining popularity, they still can’t compete on a sales basis with notebooks. Google brought Chrome OS to notebooks because it knew that consumers would be able to easily interact with a platform they were familiar with.
A Future Enterprise Play?
Google’s decision to launch Chrome OS on notebooks might have something to do with the company’s future intentions. Google’s decision to go with notebooks in the launch might relate to its desire to appeal to the enterprise. The corporate world isn’t ready for tablets, but it is ready for notebooks. And Google knows that.
It’s An Easier Sell to Vendors
In order for Chrome OS to catch on with consumers, Google needs the help of vendors. However, the company knew that the only way vendors would opt for Chrome OS was if the company designed it for notebooks. Tablets are simply too risky for every firm to get into right now because of the iPad. But notebooks are different—it’s a market that firms like Acer know well. Notebooks were simply an easier sell to vendors than tablets.
It’s Competing Against Windows
If Android is competing against iOS, Google’s Chrome OS platform is taking on Microsoft Windows. Realizing that, it wouldn’t have made much sense for Google to offer the operating system on mobile devices, like tablets. Google wants to take down Windows. And the only way it will do that is to start with Chrome OS on notebooks.
Tablets Need Offline Access
Although any computer needs offline access, it’s especially the case with tablets. Folks want to be able to use their tablets while away from an Internet connection. Moreover, they don’t necessarily want to always be connected to the Web to get work done. Tablets are ideal for those people. Lightweight notebooks, which are likely meant to supplement other products, work just fine as always-on options.
The Browser Opportunities Are Better
When it comes to tablets, surfing the Web with the included browsers in respective devices isn’t all that great. In fact, Google’s Android 3.0 “Honeycomb” platform is the first option that actually delivers a desktop-like browsing experience on tablets. Realizing that, it seems that tablets just aren’t ready for an operating system that relies upon a top-of-the-line browsing experience. Notebooks, however, are ready for such an option.
The Transition to Mobile Takes Time
If anything is clear, it’s that developing a full-fledged mobile operating system takes a long time. Moreover, getting it right is difficult. Google has proven that with Android. With Chrome OS, it might have a leg up. The operating system is based on a platform that it knows inside and out. And for the most part, it should be easier to handle. A switch to mobile at this point just wouldn’t make so much sense.
Consider Google’s Other Cloud Options
Google’s plans for Chrome OS go far beyond its operating system. The company is also utilizing its other cloud options, including Google Docs and Search, to bolster its offerings. And for now, the best experience with all of its many other cloud-based services occurs on a desktop or notebook. It would only make sense, then, that Google would opt for notebooks, rather than tablets, with Chrome OS.