Google plans to merge Android and ChromeOS into a unified operating system: report

Google has separate operating system (OS) versions based on device type. There is Android for smartphones and ChromeOS for Chromebooks. However, there is one such product category where both operating systems overlap: tablets. That will probably no longer be the case, according to a new report. Google is said to be planning to launch a project to completely convert ChromeOS to Android, to develop a product that will finally compete with the iPad.

Google turns ChromeOS into Android

Citing a source, Android Authority detailed Google’s plans to transition ChromeOS to Android in no time report Monday. The publication claims that the Mountain View, California-based tech giant is working on a multi-year project to develop a hybrid platform that could compete with Apple’s iPadOS, which powers the iPad.

Google reportedly plans to combine its OS efforts for more efficient management of technical resources and to better compete with the iPad. Rather than merging Android and Chrome OS to create an entirely new platform, it is claimed that there are plans to migrate the latter to the former. This move will result in the availability of more apps on Android and more money for developers due to a larger number of users, the report said.

One of the first devices to run on this hybrid platform is reportedly the alleged Pixel Laptop, which is reportedly in development. This device reportedly comes with high-quality internals and is said to have been codenamed “Snowy”. The company is also said to be developing many new features to deliver a desktop-like experience on Android, including better keyboard and mouse support, support for external monitors and multiple desktops, and more.

While these efforts are mainly focused on Google’s internal Android-on-laptop project, it is also speculated that they will boost the capabilities of tablets, including the alleged Pixel Tablet 2, which is expected to come with an upgraded Tensor chip, an improved camera and a new keyboard cover accessory.