Manager reveals: Google wants to merge ChromeOS and Android

Google wants to combine its Android and ChromeOS operating systems. This was confirmed by Android boss Sameer Samat in an interview with Techradar. However, Samat's statements do not provide any further details on implementation or a timetable.

Samat mentioned almost casually that ChromeOS and Android are to merge. The Google manager asked the Techradar reporter how he uses his Mac. "I ask because we're going to combine ChromeOS and Android into one platform," Samat then said, according to Techradar. "That's why I'm interested in how people are using their laptops these days."

New Chrome browser for desktop Android

There have been reports of the two Google operating systems growing closer together for some time. Most recently, a new version of the Chrome browser with extension support caused a stir. Until now, extensions have only been available in the desktop versions of Chrome. However, the new version of mobile Chrome, which is currently under development, also supports extensions.

This version is not intended for smartphones and tablets, reported Android expert Mishaal Ramaan at Android Authority. Instead, the new version of Chrome will be used on PCs and notebooks with Android operating systems – This is likely to be a hybrid of ChromeOS and classic Android.

It is an open secret in the industry that ChromeOS and Android have a shared future. However, Google has not yet officially confirmed this. Samat's almost casual statements are the first confirmation from Google. However, it could be some time before the actual announcement. The new Chrome version, for example, is still at an early stage of development.

Android can already be used in desktop mode: Anyone using the current beta of Android 16 can switch on a desktop mode that is based on Samsung Dex. With a future Android 16 update, the feature will also be made available outside of the beta version.

(dahe)