Back in May 2005, I made a number of predictions about Google's Future? GBrowser, GooglePC, Google NetPC and Google ISP. Now that more than 30 months have passed, here's an update:
- GBrowser (or "Google Browser"): Still no Google browser, but Google is the default search engine for most Firefox browsers. Firefox has become a conduit for Google.
- GooglePC: Many have labeled the Everex gPC as the "Google PC". Technically, gPC means "Green PC", but Everex did consult with Google in the production and Google is featured very prominently in the device (including the desktop). The Everex gPC is a $199 Linux sold at places like Wal-Mart.com. Now Everest has a $279 laptop called the Zonbu which also touts Google. In some ways, the Asus Eee PC is also a "Google PC". I'd bet they'll be getting some revenue from Google for including Google on the device.
- Open-source Office Applications on the GooglePC: Both Everex and Asus come pre-installed with OpenOffice. But any computer now also has Google Apps, so this one came true on multiple fronts.
- Google NetPC: I'm mostly wrong here. Why have a dumb terminal when you can get an Everex or Asus Eee PC for $200-$400, especially when the dumb terminal would cost $200-$400. Someday a NetPC might cost $50, but when that day comes a mini-PC will cost just a tad bit more than that. But then again, if you consider a low-cost cell phone built with Android to be a cousin to a Google NetPC, then perhaps I'm not too far off. I mentioned that a low-cost Google device would be a key way Google expands into China and India. The Google-friendly Everex and Asus computers will help Google expand to the "second billion" as well.
- Google ISP: I was right to catch onto Google purchase of unused fiber optic cable and noted Google Web Accelerator might signal things to come, but there won't be a Google ISP per se. My apologies, I really don't know this space all that well. But given that Google is bidding on the mobile spectrum next month, Google may try to become a mobile carrier of sorts. So in short, Google may become a "Mobile ISP". So does that mean I'm right?
To be fair, regarding the predictions, I think I was just stating the obvious, so no biggie. I was just doing my best to be a faithful Google fanboy and guessing where they'd go next.
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