GOOGLE RELEASES NEW OS: WAY GOOD OR WAY BAD?
As if controlling the world’s most widely used operating system wasn’t enough, Alphabet’s Google plans to release an all-new OS that is cross-compatible on several different types of devices. Read on and discover our thoughts on this new software, featuring commentary provided by #GSATiFamily members Carole Bennett and Bill Pirkle.
Recently, (NASDAQ:GOOGL) published code written for Fuschia, an OS in the developmental stages that isn’t based on Linux (who would have thought?) but on the Magenta kernel. This has created an opportunity for Fuschia to serve as an alternative to the typical embedded operating systems by supporting both powerful AND low-resource devices. The OS is also being tested on PC systems, appearing quite likely to support ergonomically sound user interfaces.
When asked their thoughts on Google’s upcoming release, in-house Backend Developer and Open Source Application Managers Carole Bennett and Bill Pirkle, respectively, had a few things to say….
“I think that Google knows a lot about creating an OS for devices, and has a huge developer base to draw on; however, since this new IoT OS is based on yet another language, that might alienate developers who are already overloaded by having to keep up with all the changes in the industry. With Microsoft's Win10 IoT, and the very popular Linux derivatives that already run on IoT devices like the Raspberry Pi, it may be too finite an approach to gain traction, becoming another one of Google's "spaghetti" projects ("throw a spaghetti noodle at the wall, see if it sticks - if it does, it's done").” -Carole Bennett
“This new IoT is based on yet another language, that might alienate developers who are already overloaded by having to keep up with all the changes in the industry...”
— CAROLE BENNETT
“To be perfectly honest, I have hesitations about IoT. I'm not convinced that for most use cases, the benefits justify the risk or the cost in the short term. And I'm concerned about unintended consequences of turning over any substantial control of the physical world to remote and/or algorithmic control. I'd like to think that proper development and engineering principles will be applied, that comprehensive security measures will be taken, that the inevitable need to update both software and hardware will be considered, and that legal questions regarding privacy, liability, and ownership will be fairly established. But history suggests that hype will dominate and, initially at least, there will be a lot more failures than successes. While the tech geek in me would love to run out and buy a bunch of connected gadgets to play with, my practical side will probably make me a late adopter.” – Bill Pirkle.
“I’d like to think that proper development and engineering principles will be applied, comprehensive security measures will be taken, that the inevitable need to update both software and hardware will be considered, and that legal questions regarding privacy, liability and ownership will be fairly established. ”
— BILL PIRKLE
We think it’s safe to say that the GSATiFamily is a little hesitant of the GOOGL OS release. A new language, operating capabilities that successfully exist through other platforms, and an imaginary “hype” don’t exactly pave the way for a reputable success, in this case at least. Why run a new program on your Raspberry Pi when what you’ve got works best? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right?
Despite how apparent our reservations may be, tech innovation attempting to making waves in the industry is always good news for the IT field. We look forward to the consumer’s response to this upcoming software release.
