Google is consolidating Chrome OS and Android

Google says its two main operating systems will become one. The change could be shown to the public about a year from now, according to The Wall Street Journal.

What is Chrome OS?

Chrome OS is the system that runs on Chromebooks. It is built around the Chrome web browser. Most of the work is done online. The system is light, fast, and easy to use. It is popular for schools and simple home use.

What is Android?

Android is the system that runs on most phones and many tablets. It lets users download apps from the Google Play Store. Android is the most common mobile platform in the world.

The Plan to Combine Them

The Wall Street Journal reports that Google will collapse Chrome OS into Android. The reason is that Android has become the dominant development platform. By joining the two, Android will also run on laptops and desktop PCs.

The Verge also says the merge will be shown at Google I/O next year. The new system may get a new name, especially for Chromebooks. Google hopes to cut the number of separate platforms it must support.

Sources say the new operating system could be released sometime in 2017. (The article was written earlier, so the date reflects the original report.)

How the Merge Might Work

• Android will be the base code for both phones and laptops.
• Chrome OS features, like the Chrome browser, will stay on top.
• The Google Play Store will be available on Chromebooks.
• Existing Android apps will be able to run on laptops, though some may need adjustments.

What It Means for Users

For Chromebook owners, the change could bring more apps. Right now, only a few Android apps work on Chromebooks. After the merge, many more apps could be installed directly from the Play Store.

For Android users, the move could mean a smoother experience when they use a laptop. They could run the same apps they use on their phone without needing a separate version.

Google has already shown a convertible Android tablet called the Pixel C. That device hints at the direction Google is taking.

In an update, a Google spokesperson told The Verge that both Chrome OS and Android will continue to exist. Chrome OS is not being “killed.” This means the two systems will live together, not that one will disappear.

Why Google Might Do This

Managing two separate operating systems costs time and money. By merging them, Google can focus on one code base. It also makes it easier for developers to write apps that work everywhere.

Possible New Name for Chromebooks

The article says Chromebooks may get a new name to match the new OS. No official name has been announced yet.

FAQ

Will Chrome OS disappear?

No. Google says Chrome OS will still exist, but it will be built on Android.

When will we see the new system?

The Wall Street Journal says a preview could appear at Google I/O in about a year. The full release was expected sometime in 2017.

Will all Android apps work on Chromebooks?

Not all apps will work right away. Some apps may need changes to run well on larger screens.

What about the Google Play Store?

The Play Store is expected to be available on Chromebooks after the merge, letting users download Android apps directly.

Conclusion

Google plans to bring Chrome OS and Android together into one operating system. The move could give Chromebook users more apps and make development easier for Google. While the exact details are still coming, the idea is to have a single platform that works on phones, tablets, laptops, and desktops.