Google might pivot from ChromeOS to Android for its fundamental laptop computer OS

Key Takeaways

Google is reportedly migrating ChromeOS over to Android.
Speculations recommend a Pixel Laptop computer could possibly be the primary to run the brand new Android desktop model.
To achieve full potential, Android would want desktop-like options at the moment current in ChromeOS.

With regards to software program, Google has a historical past of taking sudden turns. Take Fuchsia OS, for instance — after eight years of improvement, it is nonetheless restricted to just some Google Nest audio system. Now, a dependable leaker claims that Google is likely to be engaged on a daring new course: migrating ChromeOS absolutely over to Android.

Associated

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In accordance with Android guru Mishaal Rahman (by way of Android Authority), Google is reportedly endeavor a “multi-year venture to totally transition ChromeOS into Android.” Earlier this yr, Google revealed plans to combine parts of the Android stack into ChromeOS. As an illustration, ChromeOS now makes use of Android’s Bluetooth stack for higher connectivity and pace. The corporate additionally plans to undertake Android’s Linux kernel for ChromeOS, however Rahman suggests the scope of this initiative is much extra formidable.

Rahman claims Google’s final aim is emigrate ChromeOS fully to Android. Whereas previous rumors hinted at the opportunity of merging Android and ChromeOS into a brand new working system, this improvement appears to be an entire overhaul of ChromeOS. Rahman even means that Google would possibly finally ship a “Chromebook” operating on Android.

Turning ChromeOS into Android could possibly be a sensible transfer

Samsung Chromebook Plus on table with lid open and screen on

The report speculates that this shift to Android is a part of Google’s technique to compete extra successfully with the iPad. Actually, in a associated leak, Android Headlines revealed that Google is likely to be engaged on a brand new Pixel Laptop computer, which might probably be the primary machine to run this desktop model of Android.

There’s nonetheless a protracted option to go although, earlier than Android can rival the capabilities of ChromeOS. To bridge the hole, Google would want to introduce options like improved keyboard and mouse assist, exterior monitor assist, a number of desktop assist, and different desktop-like options that ChromeOS already excels at.

Whereas Google is already making strides on this course, with desktop-style windowing characteristic probably debuting within the Android 15 QPR replace, these options are reported to be a part of Google’s “Android-on-laptop” venture.

We imagine that merging ChromeOS into Android might truly be a sensible transfer. For years, the Android pill market has struggled to provide a real competitor to the iPad. With Google reportedly including desktop-like options to Android, it might grow to be the OS we have been ready for on giant screens. The iPad lacks the complete desktop expertise many need, and Google’s venture could possibly be the answer.