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Google to Release "Goobuntu" Desktop Linux OS [UPDATE: Google Denies Plans]

By Alexander Grundner | January 31st, 2006 Interest Level: SMOKING HOT


goobuntu mockup logoAh, Man. Did I call it or did I call it? Last November, when Google sponsored and attended the Southern California Linux Expo, I predicted that Google would be piggy backing on Debian GNU/Linux if they were to release a desktop OS. Mind you, I wasn’t making such a prediction in a favorable light. In fact, I said: “I hate companies that take open-source projects and rebrand them for their benefit and pawn them off as the next big thing. Yes, I know there are many Linux distros that are based on Debian, but a big player like Google getting in on the action just rubs me the wrong way.” Well, it’s official, The Register reports that Google in partnership with Ubuntu (based on Debian GNU/Linux) will soon be releasing a Desktop Linux project called “Goobuntu” (screenshot – yuck, if this is real).

Side note: I just wish Google would have dumped a bunch of their money to help the efforts of the guys who are really responsible for Debian and create products that work seamlessly with Debian. At this point, both Ubuntu and Google are taking advantage of the system they are using as the foundation of their Desktop OS. You may have noticed that Google is a corporate sponsor at PBS, but you’re not hearing about a “GooBS” channel being developed anytime soon. I think the same logic applies here, but that’s just me.

UPDATE: Via Ars Technica and Engadget, Google press relations representitive, Sonya Borälv, denies that Google is planning to launch a Desktop Linux OS and states: “[W]e use Ubuntu internally but have no plans to distribute it outside of the company.” Really? Hmmm. I’m not buying it. If anything, Google’s press person has just confirmed that the company is using a tweaked version of Ubuntu for their own purposes.

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____________
Alexander Grundner is the Editor & Publisher of eHomeUpgrade. He has been following "Digital Home" developments since 2003. He's also a fan of cross-platform, open development software and industry standards related to media, networking, and the web. You can catch his daily tech musings on Twitter: @agrundner.
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  • Dave Zatz said: That screenshot was first seen last summer and Gizmodo reports it is fake:

    http://www.gizmodo.com/gadgets/soft...-os--123473.php


    LOL -- cool, thanks.
  • That screenshot was first seen last summer and Gizmodo reports it is fake:

    http://www.gizmodo.com/gadgets/soft...-os--123473.php
  • I added the Ars Technica link earlier to the update. While the Google press person denied any type of launch to the general public, it doesn't mean that it's not on the table. Just look at how many times Apple has denied certain products were under development, which were then later released. If anything, Google's press person has confirmed that the company is using a tweaked version of Ubuntu for their own purposes.
  • jaxun
  • I just wish Google would have dumped a bunch of their money to help the efforts of the guys who are really responsible for Debian and create products that work seamlessly with Debian. At this point, both Ubuntu and Google are taking advantage of the system they are using as the foundation of their Desktop OS.




    Note: I just added this comment to the original post.
  • alister
    They are not going to use the KDE desktop for the Google Distro.... If they use Gnome then they will not have to worry about me using it :)




    Alister
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