Google is in a very favorable position with its Android operating system, which comes installed on smartphones from numerous manufacturers and only has a few real non-Apple alternatives, like GrapheneOS and LineageOS. But Google isn’t content with just Android.
For some time now, Google has also wanted to establish itself to a greater degree on PCs and complete more directly with Windows. ChromeOS was a step in that direction but far from the end goal—and now, we’re seeing Google move more in that direction as concrete information about its new operating system emerges.
According to Android Authority, Google’s newest operating system is being developed under the name “Aluminium OS” (whether that’ll be the final name is still unclear) and will be a merger of Android and ChromeOS. As such, it’ll be used on smartphones and PCs as well as in tablets, watches, televisions, cars, and XR headsets.
What’s behind Aluminium OS?
Google confirmed back in September that it was working on a new operating system that merges Android and ChromeOS. Since then, there have been several leaks that paint a more concrete picture.
According to these leaks, Aluminium OS is to be established as a standardized operating system for desktops and mobile devices. To this end, Google is working with Qualcomm, which not only develops powerful chips but is also increasingly focusing on AI.
Given that, it’s hardly surprising that Google’s new OS will also integrate AI. Job advertisements for the project indicate that Aluminium OS is based on artificial intelligence and will therefore presumably be closely linked to Google’s Gemini AI.
This would mean that AI won’t just be extra features on top but a central element of the operating system. Integration at system level would conceivably allow Gemini access to all apps and data.
Will Aluminium OS be only for PCs?
Initial reports assume that—unlike ChromeOS—Aluminium OS will not be limited to special laptops and tablets but will run on all types of desktop PCs, tablets, detachables, and wearables. In addition, lower-priced devices will also use the operating system, which would be an important step towards establishing it for the masses.
Whether Aluminium OS can compete with both Windows and macOS remains to be seen. However, Google has gained tons of experience with both Android and ChromeOS and will surely utilize that experience to develop and market the new operating system.
When will Aluminium OS be released?
Google is already said to be actively working on the development of the platform. At the same time, the development of Android 17 is also underway. Experts believe that Google could release Aluminium OS as early as 2026 if the first test runs are successful.
What will become of ChromeOS?
Naturally, all of this Aluminium OS talk raises a curious question: what is Google going to do about ChromeOS once this spiritual successor arrives? Most likely Google won’t immediately discontinue the operating system, but will continue to develop and support both OSes alongside each other for at least a few years.
In the long term, however, Aluminium OS should completely replace ChromeOS. Older systems that aren’t compatible could still receive a kind of legacy support, while compatible hardware will be fully migrated to the new operating system. However, this is likely to take several years.
This article originally appeared on our sister publication PC-WELT and was translated and localized from German.
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