Clash of the Titans

This week, Google announced that it will develop an operating system off of its increasingly popular web browser Chrome. This represents the search giant's first major offensive into arch-rival Microsoft's home turf.Capitalizing on the success of lightweight netbooks and the value of streamlined online/offline capabilities, Chrome OS will be the first operating system to be designed with the internet in mind, says Google.  Tighter security, fewer plug-ins, wider compatibility, and swift functionality are key to Google’s approach.  Chrome OS will also be open-source, based on Linux, and not just for netbooks.Already, battle lines have been drawn, despite the preliminary nature of the announcement.  Wired loves the idea, Slate hates it, and WebMonkey is just wary.As with any announcement long on potential, short on details, this news should be taken with a grain of salt.  Perhaps the most relevant question: is Google trying to save the world from Microsoft, or just supplant it?