Google prepares Android for the PC market: Aluminium OS to replace ChromeOS

Google is preparing Android for entry into the PC market. A job advertisement reveals new details about the operating system called Aluminium OS (AlOS), which is intended to replace ChromeOS in the long term. The new OS is also said to land on premium devices and have "AI at its core".

For months, it has been clear that Google wants to merge Android and ChromeOS. According to Android chief Sameer Samat, the familiar user interface of ChromeOS will be retained, but it will be based on Android technically. "This combination is something we are very excited about for the next year," he said at Qualcomm's in-house trade fair at the end of September. Furthermore, "a laptop and the rest of the Android ecosystem will work seamlessly together." The AI model Gemini also plays a relevant role.

Job ad reveals new details

Much more was not known about Google's push into the PC market and the new operating system until now. Thanks to a job advertisement on LinkedIn, which has since been removed (but the internet never forgets), further details about Google's plans have come to light.

According to the job advertisement for a "Senior Product Manager, Android, Laptop and Tablets", the team the person will work in will "drive ChromeOS and Aluminium platforms (e.g. Android) and corresponding devices in collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders and external partners." Google also confirms that the new Android-based operating system for PCs will be called Aluminium OS. A new focus on "premium devices and experiences" is to be directed in development. It further states that the core of the new operating system – similar to Android XR, the OS for headsets and glasses – is artificial intelligence (AI).

End of ChromeOS in sight

The advertisement also confirms that Google intends to run ChromeOS and Aluminium OS in parallel – at least initially: The team is to "assemble a portfolio of ChromeOS and Aluminium devices for commercial use in all form factors (e.g., laptops, detachables, tablets, and boxes) and classes (e.g., Chromebook, Chromebook Plus, AL Entry, AL Mass Premium, and AL Premium) that meets the requirements of users and the company." This confirms that there will be Aluminium OS devices in various price ranges and device categories such as detachables (2-in-1 devices), tablets, and mini-PCs ("Boxes"), similar to Google's Chromebox or Apple's Mac Mini.

According to the advertisement, Google's ChromeOS will be phased out in the long term. To this end, the team is to develop and maintain a product roadmap "that addresses the results to be delivered and the strategy by which Google will transition from ChromeOS to Aluminium, ensuring business continuity in the future." It is currently unclear whether current ChromeOS devices will be migrated to the new platform, or whether Google will continue to supply them with ChromeOS versions until the end of their support.

Google has not yet given a fixed date for the launch of Aluminium OS. The manufacturer only confirmed that it is scheduled to start in 2026.

(afl)