The example of the failure of BeOS here is still a lesson for Linux to actually be a viable desktop contender in terms of a integrated and a consistent desktop for its users. Be Inc was just one of many losers that fell into Microsoft's monopoly on the Desktop. General Magic, Commodore (AmigaOS), etc all failed for the desktop. Linux and BSD communities found better success in the server market but still failed in getting to the desktop at the time.

Fast forward to today, Linux + its distros are still technically ahead of its time in all areas but still has 'developers, tinkerers and hobbyists' of its users for the desktop rather than the average personal computer user.

Google seemed to have learned from the BeOS failure by 'using' Linux in the literal sense for Android, ChromeOS and Chromebooks which is working for them so far, and they are re-entering the desktop OS market with Fuchsia.