Google's next laptop is reportedly shipping with Android OS. (Image credit: Google)
ChromeOS-powered laptops are known for being affordable and versatile, and can also run Android apps, but it looks like Google might not be happy with the operating system and is considering a major makeover. The tech giant, which owns both Android and ChromeOS, is all set to transform the operating system into Android and has taken it on as a multi-year project, suggests a report by independent online publication Android Authority.
Google’s decision to revamp ChromeOS into Android is said to be heavily influenced by the success of iPadOS. Android, which currently powers a plethora of smart devices such as smartphones, smart TVs, cars, XR (Extended Reality) smart glasses, and more, is likely to power the upcoming affordable laptops by Google.
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ChromeOS, an operating system designed around a web browser, can already run Android apps. However, it has its own limitations. This leak also hints at a Pixel Laptop, a personal computing device from Google, which could be the first to ship with Google’s revamped Android OS instead of ChromeOS on a laptop. Pixel Laptop is said to have a user interface that mimics desktop operating systems like ChromeOS with enhanced multi-tasking capabilities.
Google is yet to comment on this development. The company’s latest move to embrace “portions of the Android stack, like the Android Linux kernel and Android frameworks” for ChromeOS does indicate the brand’s underlying intention of this possible merger.
This also looks like an ecosystem play by Google where it could easily enable better cross-device communication, similar to that of Apple devices, where Android users can experience continuity-like features on their smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
For now, it is unclear if Google will upgrade some of the currently available ChromeOS-powered devices to Android with a software update, or if this will only be available on future devices.
However, this development also poses certain challenges to Google. ChromeOS is a light operating system that can smoothly run even on entry-level hardware, hence it is mostly seen on affordable laptops. However, Android OS might require a bit more computing power to offer the same level of performance, indicating that upcoming Android OS-powered laptops from Google could also cost a bit more than Chromebooks.
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