Imagine a next-level streaming technology that lets you stream your own personal computer in the cloud. A completely online-only operating system with a familiar user interface that emulates an actual computer. A personal virtual machine accessible to everyone. All from the cloud.
So how does it work? You have a familiar device (like a tablet that is network-ready), you log in using your online account, and voila! a whole desktop experience right in front of you. Everything you do there gets saved in the cloud and of course, you can log in to your personal computer from any device with a browser and internet access.
Just like Google Drive has different tiers, why not an actual full Operating System that exists in an online drive? OS streaming that is subscription-based with a free basic account to go back to if you run out of money? That sounds amazing. The upgradeable tiers include a combination of memory, graphics, processing speed, storage space, multiple users, and more (insert features that don't exist yet). I also like to see the development of new breeds of hardware that are modular with all kinds of connections available (5G, Wi-fi, Wireless Charging, Peripherals, USB-C, HDMI, and more) with more emphasis on integrated software, faster network, display quality, and longer battery. Hardware manufacturers can make them as thin and mobile as possible on a lower price scale.
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If you are a developer working in the cloud, you will be able to deploy your applications instantly since the "cloud operating system" already has most if not all programming languages built in. Open-source applications still need to be installed (to not take up online storage space) and other streaming services or subscriptions are all consolidated within the cloud space. You also have options to add peripherals to secure a physical backup of your data or add more functionality to your device. Best of all, you can work pretty much everywhere that has an internet connection.
How is this technology possible in a couple of years? In fact, we already have this kind of technology but not to the extent that I imagine. Not yet at least. Let's think of some technology we currently have that can make all this a possibility.
Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, Digital Ocean, and Amazon Web Services. These are some of the services that exist now and closely resemble what I imagine for the Cloud OS. At the moment, most of these services are more viable for bigger organizations but Azure offers a more individualized system. In short, all those companies offer a unique experience for their target audience. They are just not there yet.
Software as a Service (SaaS) proved to be a hit, Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) already starting up, and Testing as a Service (TaaS) is following up soon. These are all subscription-based on which some offer free membership.
Online IDEs for developers. Now, you can develop a mobile app, web app, or software entirely using the Cloud. Examples are Cloud9, Codenvy, Repl.it, and Dartpad. You still have to package and deploy them, however.
Google Stadia, PlayStation Now, and xCloud are examples of video game streaming services that can be accessed on multiple devices, even on your smart TV.
Virtual Machines like the one Microsoft Azure offers are still in their infancy and still an unpopular choice with our current internet connection technology.
5G is becoming mainstream and data centers are now spread around worldwide. Cloud Delivery Networks like Cloudflare also help out with the latency of these online services and websites.
Image by mohamed_Hassan via Pixabay
Now with the above arguments in mind, what good and bad could this technology possibly bring? Let's discuss this.
Advantages:
Inexpensive. If there is a free tier and the devices are cheaper, almost everyone can own a computer in the cloud.
Security. Data can exist in a lot of places and with that extra layer of security, you can feel safe that your data is secured. It will depend on what subscriptions (storage, back-ups) you opt into and the quality of the company providing the service.
Convenience. There is no need to build your system from scratch. The lightweight device can be packed into a phone with basic phone functions (offline apps, games) for offline use and a whole powerful computer when online (games, apps, web apps, and production software).
Modular. Not just the hardware but also the operating system. People can switch between different OS subscriptions and tiers whenever they need to.
Updates. For as long as you are subscribed, there is no need to update your device or your operating system. Every update happens in the cloud network. You always get the latest technology available.
Disadvantages:
Complicated. This can also get very complicated depending on your needs. Too many subscriptions and interconnected services/applications are tricky for most people and can also rack up the bills.
Infrastructure. Needs to be connected all the time.
Safety. Still hackable. No one can really get around to this as the technology becomes more sophisticated, people with bad intentions will take advantage.
Privacy. Unless a proper law is created, our identities online have never been so exposed.
My Take? I would take a free online computer anytime. I will just make sure it's always secured (two-step authentication, pass-phrase, etc.)
Even though it is not clear yet whether this technology overall will consume more energy than individual devices or if it can help decrease carbon emissions in the long run, I think the advantages still outweigh the negative effects of having this technology. With renewables on the rise, data servers can be strategically placed where there is a sufficient supply of clean energy.
I use Google Drive a lot but in order to upload, download, or connect to other online services or web apps, I still need to transfer the files offline and then upload them again online. I just wish there is a system that can handle that and transfer them directly to and from Google Drive or other online drives. But that is just wishful thinking. The answer to this could be the Cloud OS since it can be opened from a browser, and transferring files will be easier since a lot of these online services like Google Drive are all integrated or installed within the cloud operating system. Imagine dragging and dropping between tabs. Convenient right?
What else can it do? Future prospects of this technology depend on our imagination since we are the ones to create it in the first place. Let us all be responsible for the technologies we build to make sure it is for the benefit of the next generation. Cheers.
Featured Image Sources: 200 Degrees via Pixabay, Canva
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