Confirmed! Google to merge Android and ChromeOS into one system

Google has finally officially confirmed what has been speculated for months. The Android and ChromeOS systems will indeed merge into a single platform. The information was revealed during an interview with TechRadar by Sameer Samat, President of the Android Ecosystem at Google, who seemingly unwittingly shared one of the biggest changes Google is preparing in the area of its operating systems. Unfortunately, specific details on what the unified platform will look like or when we can expect it were not mentioned.

Unexpected Revelation During Interview

The surprising revelation occurred when Samat inquired why a TechRadar editor was using a MacBook, iPhone, and Apple Watch. “I was asking because we’re going to be combining ChromeOS and Android into one platform, and I’m very interested in how people are using their laptops these days and what they’re doing on them,” Samat stated verbatim in the interview. This statement represents the very first official confirmation of long-speculated plans to merge both platforms.

It’s interesting that Samat, in the context of this initiative, was specifically interested in how laptops are used. This suggests that Google is still looking for ways to improve this project before its release, and that user research plays an important role in its preparation. At the same time, it also indicates that the new platform will likely emphasize working with larger displays.

Long-Awaited Step

Plans to merge ChromeOS into Android have been speculated since last November, when Android Authority exclusively reported on it. Now we have official confirmation that Google is indeed working on unifying these two platforms, although it’s still unclear whether it will be an entirely new system or rather a migration of ChromeOS into Android, as earlier reports suggested.

Confirmed! Google to merge Android and ChromeOS into one system Adam Kurfürst News Adam Kurfürst News

This announcement comes at a time when Android itself is gaining a number of features for larger displays. Android 16, introduced at this year’s Google I/O, brings, for example, a proper desktop mode, a feature for displaying apps in windows, improved external display management, and better app adaptability to various screen sizes. These new features now make much more sense in the context of the upcoming merger with ChromeOS.

Unanswered Questions

While Samat’s statement confirms Google’s plans, it also opens up many questions. It’s unclear how this change will affect current ChromeOS users or whether the transition to the new platform will alter the typical ten-year support that Google and various Chromebook manufacturers provide. Big questions also hang over how corporate users and schools, for whom Chromebooks are very popular, will cope with this change.

It’s unlikely that the merger will happen in the near future, but with the growing popularity of ARM notebooks and a certain stagnation of ChromeOS, it seems now might be the ideal time for such a step. Google will need to find a way to maintain the simplicity and security of ChromeOS while bringing the rich ecosystem features of Android.

Why Buy a Chromebook?

For those considering a new work tool, Chromebooks can be an interesting alternative to traditional laptops. Their main advantages include fast system startup, excellent battery life, and a secure operating system with automatic updates. Most models are also more affordable than comparable Windows notebooks, which is especially appreciated by students and people looking for a device for everyday office work.

What do you expect from the merger of Android and ChromeOS?

Sources: TechRadar, Android Authority, 9to5Google