Google's Aluminium-merged OS brings familiar vibes - but I have a lot of lingering questions

At its 2009 launch, Chrome OS seemed like a browser with a case of megalomania. Why would Google launch a second operating system when Android was on a path to become the world’s most popular operating system?

While everyday computing was certainly getting more browser-centric, web apps had not evolved to the point where it seemed wise to rely on them, especially on a laptop that often had no internet access.

Indeed, the Cr48, Google’s prototype first Chromebook, included a free gigabyte per month of Verizon cellular access. (Smoothing the tethering process with Android smartphones ultimately took its place.)