A couple years ago the big news was Google scooping up OS developers from all over the world, including a few of Microsoft’s employees. That set us all to waiting for the search giant’s first foray into operating systems, but the most we’ve seen since is the release of Google Chrome, the company’s first web browser (which sits around 1% market share), and Android, Google’s mobile OS.

At long last, though, Google is set to take on Redmond with their first operating system designed for full PC application, the Google Chrome Operating System. Sundar Pichai, Google’s VP of product management says Chrome OS is “our attempt to rethink what operating systems should be.”

Initially designed for the netbook market, Chrome OS has a huge task before it. Windows currently runs almost 90% of the PC market. That’s not exactly small potatoes. Google is in a good position, though, as netbooks continue to gain popularity and manufacturers look for lighter-weight, faster operating systems to run the trimmed-down computers. Acer, for example, has already agreed to develop several netbooks to run on Android for 2010.

Set for release in the second half of 2010, there’s still no word on what Chrome OS will cost. Market analysts at Enderle group expect simply a nominal fee, which is one thing that could easily woo manufacturers. Microsoft does not release its manufacturer prices, but most analysts speculate they charge something like $20 for XP and as much as $150 for Vista. Undercutting that price could result in not only a deal for manufacturers but a price cut for consumers as well.

Google hasn’t said much regarding Chrome OS as a system for running high end PCs, like the gaming PCs a lot of us geeks are concerned with. The OS is based on Linux, though, so I’d imagine they can beef it up for just that sort of capability. For now, the OS is meant for folks looking for a quick OS for web browsing and other simple applications.

Microsoft has yet to comment.

Source: Reuters

Microsoft announced their pricing for Windows 7 today, along with upgrade information, launch details, and a nice little preorder deal. I know plenty of users will be getting rid of Vista when 7 ships, and many have already done so with the 7 RC build.

As for pricing, upgrades will fall just a hair short of Windows Vista prices since the cut in February 2008. A Home Premium upgrade version will run $120 as opposed to Vista’s $130. The Home Premium full version will be $200, down from $240 for Vista.

The preorder prices are where the real money…isn’t. I can’t say if this is an apology to all the Vista users or whether Microsoft just wants 7 in the hands of as many folks as possible. Whatever the reason, I’m happy. Here’s a look at the price breakdown by country for the Home Premium and Professional builds:

* US: Home Premium ($49.99) Professional ($99.99)
* Canada: Home Premium ($64.99) Professional ($124.99)
* Japan: Home Premium (¥7,407) Professional (¥14,073)
* UK: Home Premium (£49.99) Professional (£99.99)
* France and Germany: Home Premium (€49.99) Professional (€109.99

Just $50 for a Microsoft OS that won’t drive me completely insane? I’ll take it.

A quick note about upgrades: Be sure you pay attention to your upgrade process, because it will vary depending on your current product. For example, Windows XP users, whether upgrading or not, will have to do a clean install. The responsibility for backup falls to the user, so don’t pop your DVDs in expecting MS to keep your data.

Vista upgraders can follow Vista upgrade paths. You will only need a clean install if you are moving from Professional to Home Premium, even if it’s Vista Pro to 7:HP. Going from Vista:HP to 7 Pro will not require a full install.

US preorders start tomorrow at the Microsoft Store and other select retailers, including Best Buy and Amazon. Don’t miss out. The offer is only good while supplies last.

Gizmodo has a peak into Windows 7 and so far, I like what I see:

Stream Your Library Over the Internet With Windows Media Player

This is hot—it’d be hotter if it was easier to set up. Windows Media Player’s Remote Media Sharing will let you access your media library from anywhere over the internet. You need a Windows Live ID that you associate with your Windows 7 user account using a tool you have to download. (This could grow to include other “online identities,” like Facebook I’m guessing, but I wouldn’t hold your breath for your Gmail account.) You also need the same version of Windows Media Player running on both computers. After everything’s all associamated, then your home library you wanna stream from should show up just like a local library under the “Other Libraries” section in the side navigation pane. Can’t do this in iTunes, buddy.

Windows XP Mode
To encourage enterprise people to let loose and rock Windows 7, it runs a full-fledged Windows XP virtual environment using Microsoft’s Virtual PC. It requires an additional download (booo), but you won’t have to worry about your applications breaking like with Vista.

This is really good stuff and smart on Microsoft’s part. I have a feeling that Windows 7 is going to be much, much better than Vista is. I hope they’ve learned a lesson from Vista and won’t release such crap again in the future. Although it does seem to be a trademark of Microsoft to released good product followed by horrible product followed by good product again.

So now to the details. Streaming your home library from anywhere is awesome. Come to think of it, why hasn’t Apple or Microsoft done this sooner? There are applications out there that can do that now, but it will be nice to have it built into Media Player.

No matter what anyone tells you, adding XP mode is genius. XP is their most stable, most reliable, and most used operating system. Most business and corporations have not purchased Vista because pretty much nothing works on it. Now corporations can purchase Windows 7 and not worry if their employees be able to run the applications they need to do their jobs. This is great for the end user and even better for Microsoft as it should dramatically increase their Windows 7 sales.

Definitely some welcome changes from Microsoft. I can honestly say that I was never looking forward to Windows Vista. However, I am looking forward to Windows 7.