Google has been pretty bullish on its plans and predictions for Chrome OS, but while its garnered a lot of positive press, not everyone is enamoured with it.
The loudest voice seems to be the founder of the GNU project and free-software advocate Richard Stallman. According to The Guardian, the developer - who has previously made his 'concerns' regarding cloud computing very clear - feels that the new OS is a part of the search-giant's plan "to push people into careless computing".
"[Cloud computing's] meaning is not substance, it's an attitude: 'Let any Tom, Dick and Harry hold your data, let any Tom, Dick and Harry do your computing for you (and control it)'" he explained, adding that "perhaps the term 'careless computing' would suit it better".
"I'd say the problem is in the nature of the job Chrome OS is designed to do. Namely, encourage you to keep your data elsewhere, and do your computing elsewhere, instead of doing it in your own computer".
He also expressed concern over the loss of legal rights - especially in the US - over data stored on a third party's servers, which authorities can access without presenting a user with a search warrant.
Stallman isn't the only person who has reservations about the operating system, though. Google alum and Gmail creator Paul Buchheit also voiced his opinions, commenting that "Chrome OS has no purpose that isn't better served by Android" and that it "will be killed next year (or 'merged' with Android)".
Obviously the real test will be when consumer devices start rolling out, but such high-profile detractors speaking out against the OS certainly won't help matters.
