Google plans to merge Chrome OS and Android

Google is reportedly aiming to merge its desktop-based Chrome OS entirely into Android. This ambitious transition is designed primarily to enhance the experience for Android tablet users.

Earlier this year, Google announced its intention to incorporate elements of Android’s code into Chrome OS. Specifically, Google highlighted plans to utilise portions of the Android Linux kernel and Android frameworks within Chrome OS.

“To continue rolling out new Google AI features to users at a faster and even larger scale, we’ll be embracing portions of the Android stack, like the Android Linux kernel and Android frameworks, as part of the foundation of ChromeOS,” explained Google, in a post at the time.

Google also mentioned that it had begun the process of unifying Android’s Bluetooth stack within Chrome OS, a step towards this broader integration.

Recently, a report from Android Authority has brought to light Google’s ongoing efforts on a multi-year project dedicated to merging Chrome OS into Android.

While Google has yet to officially comment on the initiative, sources indicate that the integration is a tactical manoeuvre to better contend with Apple’s dominance in the global tablet market.

Despite experiencing a year-on-year decline of approximately six percent, Apple has maintained around 32 percent marketshare in the tablet segment during Q3 2024.

Implications of merging Chrome OS and Android

The potential merger of Chrome OS into Android raises questions about its implications for users, particularly Chromebook owners.

While specifics remain scarce, it’s anticipated that the integration would enable tablet and laptop users to access a broader array of apps and features, thus enriching the user experience. It is also likely to streamline workflows for developers, allowing them to focus their efforts more effectively and deliver improved features and functionalities.

From Google’s perspective, the prospect of this integration is expected to not only expedite the ‘pace of AI innovation’ but also simplify engineering initiatives—a sentiment echoed earlier this year by the company. 

“Bringing the Android-based tech stack into ChromeOS will allow us to accelerate the pace of AI innovation at the core of ChromeOS, simplify engineering efforts, and help different devices like phones and accessories work better together with Chromebooks,” explained Google, earlier this year.

As the project unfolds, all eyes will be on Google to see whether this move will indeed enhance the cohesiveness and functionality of the diverse array of tech devices that it powers.

(Photo by Lance Grandahl)

See also: Linux Kernel 6.12: Real-time capabilities, hardware boosts, and more

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Tags: android, chrome os, coding, development, google, mobile, programming