5 ways Google migrating Chrome OS to Android is a good thing

Chromebooks are succesful and fashionable gadgets. There are even higher-end Chromebooks, referred to as Chromebook Plus devices, that add AI capabilities to the Chromebook to make it a extra helpful machine. As a lot as ChromeOS is a enjoyable and productive working system, it is not excellent, so Google combined it with Android to make a greater working system that competes with Apple’s working programs. Whereas I like ChromeOS, there are advantages to Google combining it extra deeply with Android.



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5 Extra targeted growth

Android 15 QPR1 desktop windowing with multiple windows on a tablet

One good thing about Google’s change in course is a extra targeted entrance when it comes to software program growth. Two separate Google groups work on Android and ChromeOS. With this transformation, Google can mix these groups and have a mixed concentrate on Android. Google at present makes use of Android for conventional smartphones, foldables, and tablets and ChromeOS for Chromebooks and ChromeOS tablets. This implies there may be an overlap between type components and working programs that may be mixed and made simpler.

Someway, even with two working programs on tablets, neither Android nor ChromeOS has nailed tablets. Android began specializing in including options geared toward bigger gadgets, akin to windowing within the December 2024 feature drop, up to now few years. The pill expertise on ChromeOS has at all times been primary and unoptimized, however many nice bigger type issue options are included in ChromeOS.


By combining Android’s nice contact options with ChromeOS’s nice desktop options, Google could make an unimaginable Android working system for all gadgets and type components. By combining the 2 groups into one crew below Android, the corporate may have the personnel to make this occur.

4 A full Chrome browser for Android

The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 on a glass table in front of a green couch

The one solution to get the Chrome expertise is on a Home windows, Mac, or ChromeOS machine. Android telephones and tablets can solely entry the cell model of Chrome. Many Android customers, particularly pill customers, have yearned for the total Chrome browser expertise. With ChromeOS being migrated to Android, the total Chrome expertise will probably turn out to be obtainable on Android, no less than for some gadgets.


Since ChromeOS is essentially based mostly on Google Chrome, a variety of nice work has been achieved to develop that working system with the desktop browser. The Android crew can combine that work into Android to present customers the browser expertise they have been ready for.

3 Extra builders and apps for Android

Close-up of an Android phone app drawer with search bar and icons

App availability is without doubt one of the largest benefits of iOS and iPadOS over Android. Whereas Android could dominate worldwide, Apple’s working programs dominate within the US and are rising. This leads many builders to enhance their apps or make apps solely obtainable on iOS and iPadOS. By migrating ChromeOS to Android, Google will put Android on extra gadgets and incentivize builders to take it significantly.


Since Android will turn out to be Google’s all-in-one working system for telephones, tablets, and laptops, it’s going to share apps between these type components. This implies builders may make and preserve one app that’s usable on telephones, tablets, and laptops. That is nearer to how iOS and iPadOS work, and with the addition of laptops, Android may turn out to be extra interesting to builders than Apple’s ecosystems.

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2 Higher assist for peripherals on Android

Nubia Flip 5G laying half open on desk with keyboard behind it

Whereas Android gadgets have lengthy been appropriate with peripherals akin to exterior keyboards and styluses, their usability hasn’t been nice. You solely have primary use of those gadgets. You possibly can join a keyboard or mouse to your machine, however you will have restricted customization and button mapping choices. ChromeOS has made strides on this regard and has choices which can be practically on par with Home windows and macOS.


With Google migrating ChromeOS to Android, the corporate can combine the good work achieved with ChromeOS into Android. This implies deeper integration with peripherals, which may enhance productiveness on Android gadgets.

1 Improved desktop compatibility for Android gadgets

Wacom drawing tablets propped up on a desk next to phones, one shows Samsung DeX

Android has traditionally been poor at desktop mode for its gadgets. Whereas enhancements have been made, akin to including a shelf for bigger gadgets, Android is way from being a reliable desktop working system. Then again, ChromeOS is a stable desktop working system. It does not have as a lot compatibility as Home windows, however it will probably do most issues for most individuals. By merging ChromeOS with Android, Google can convey the desktop competency of ChromeOS to Android gadgets and make them the productiveness instruments the corporate promised.


Including options like a shelf and windowing made Android a greater productiveness working system. Nonetheless, extra might be achieved. The compatibility and useability of Android apps differ relying on the machine you utilize. As well as, the Android variations of apps typically lack vital options in comparison with their Home windows, macOS, iOS, and iPadOS counterparts. By making Android an working system for all gadgets, together with computer systems, it’s going to make sense for builders so as to add lots of the options that Android apps are at present lacking.

Merging ChromeOS into Android could convey the anticipated desktop mode for Android gadgets. Whereas premium Samsung gadgets have had Samsung Dex for some time, all different Android gadgets have been lacking a desktop mode. Latest Pixel gadgets assist display output, however they don’t have a usable desktop mode. Integrating ChromeOS into Android may give Android gadgets a Samsung Dex-like desktop mode when plugged right into a monitor. If builders combine ChromeOS into Android, it may surpass Dex’s usefulness.


A merging of OS’s and priorities

Google’s intent to merge ChromeOS into Android is an thrilling proposition. Whereas every working system has nice strengths and evident weaknesses, merging them may make a compelling working system for all types of gadgets. One difficulty most individuals have with Chromebooks is that the majority issues require an web connection, which merging into Android could repair. Nonetheless, there are quite a few issues you are able to do in your Chromebook offline.

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