Google's Strategic Move: Merging ChromeOS and Android for a Unified Platform

Google Is Combining ChromeOS and Android, and I Can't Wait

Since around 2019, when Chromebooks widely gained the ability to run Android apps, ChromeOS has been a tale of two app stores: the Chrome Web Store and the Google Play store. To this day, you still see icons for both app stores on the desktop by default. On top of that, some Android apps still don't translate well to ChromeOS. Discord, for example, doesn't have the correct formatting for a large screen, while others show buttons that extend all the way across their windows. These problems should go away if what former PCMag editor-in-chief, Lance Ulanoff, teased out of Sameer Samat, president of the Android ecosystem at Google, comes to fruition any time soon. Samat came right out and said, "We're going to be combining ChromeOS and Android into a single platform." This is the best possible news for ChromeOS, since it will end the confusion about the app stores, improve Android app performance on ChromeOS, and usher in fresh integrations between Google phones and laptops. Speculation about Android and ChromeOS merging has cropped up over the years, but this is the first time we've gotten confirmation from a high-up Google executive. Samat followed up his initial statement with a social post that, though short on details, clarified his comments: I've been asking company reps at Chromebook events about whether the company would ditch the Chrome Web Store in favor of the Google Play store over the past few years. I usually get a noncommittal response along the lines of, "We still support web apps." That might be true, but ChromeOS has increasingly deemphasized web apps as of late. And Samat's comment strongly hints that it's because ChromeOS is transitioning into a specialized version of Android. The Slow Demise of the Chrome Web Store The Chrome Web Store, for those who don't remember, originally allowed you to run web apps not only on ChromeOS but also on macOS and Windows. It even launched apps in separate windows on all those OSes rather than within a browser frame. Nowadays, you no longer see an Apps section if you go to the Chrome Web Store; Extensions and Themes sections are what remain. If you install an Extension, it still shows up among your Launcher icons on ChromeOS. But if you are setting up a new Chromebook, a tip box points you directly toward the Google Play store, with no mention of the Chrome Web Store. Since Chrome will undoubtedly remain the default browser on ChromeOS (even though you can install the Android versions of Edge and Firefox), it will continue to be possible to run Extensions from the Chrome Web Store, just like in Chrome on any platform. This could be key for ChromeOS's largest audience -- education -- which relies on said extensions. Android Apps Are Improving on ChromeOS, But Problems Remain As the Chrome Web Store declined, Android apps started to take over. In the early days, they would often occupy just a vertical rectangle on the screen as if they were still mobile apps. (This is pretty much how Android apps running on Windows through Phone Link or iPhone apps running on Macs via iPhone Mirroring look.) But, along the way, ChromeOS developed a way to let apps take advantage of a Chromebook's full screen. Support was somewhat hit-or-miss at first, with some apps not adapting well to bigger screens. That implementation has gotten much better over the past couple of years, thanks to efforts from both app developers and Google. Of course, I still run into occasional Android apps that, when I install them on a Chromebook, pop up a message saying, "This app is designed for mobile. It may not resize well." (Pooh, Discord!) On ChromeOS, Android apps' window sizes are available in three options: portrait, landscape, and resizable. The last choice is the most desktop-like, but many apps don't support it. The landscape option is more common, though it's not as perfectly adaptable. The portrait option is simply the original vertical view. Meanwhile, Android Itself Is Improving for Big Screens Android 16, the latest version of Google's mobile OS, added more features for app developers to support larger screens. The Android Developer website includes the statement: With Android apps now running on a variety of devices and more windowing modes on large screens, developers should build Android apps that adapt to any screen and window size, regardless of device orientation. For apps targeting Android 16 (API level 36), Android 16 includes changes to how the system manages orientation, resizability, and aspect ratio restrictions. That sounds a lot like an OS that's destined for the desktop. It gives weight to the argument that Android might largely replace ChromeOS. But I don't see the ChromeOS name going away entirely, and Samat's social post more or less confirms that. Instead, I anticipate the relationship between Android and ChromeOS evolving to match that between iOS and iPadOS. Interface and feature differences exist between the two, and that should certainly be the case for Android and ChromeOS. But it's a case of separate names for separate flavors of the same OS that target different device types. In Apple's case, of course, the larger device is a tablet rather than a laptop. More Android Phone Integrations for ChromeOS Are Welcome More (and deeper) integrations between Android and ChromeOS exist than ever before, which points to their slow merging. For example, the latter's current setup process allows you to use your phone password. ChromeOS also lets you authenticate via your Android phone and use it as an Instant Tethering Wi-Fi hotspot. This functionality comes via ChromeOS's Phone Hub, which, like Windows Phone Link, lets you see recent photos you took on your phone and mobile notifications. iPhones and Macs work together similarly. If ChromeOS is fully running on top of Android, I hope it will gain full phone screen and app mirroring capabilities. I would also like to see Apple-like hand-off features and app streaming à la Windows' Phone Link. After all, Google's developers should be able to build more (and better) features if they are focusing on a single core platform. ChromeOS Remains Compelling and Is Moving Forward Aside from these Android-centric improvements, Google has been working to make ChromeOS increasingly capable, particularly on Chromebook Plus models. These machines support features like Capture Text, which proposes actions based on your on-screen activity. And the NPU-toting Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 can use AI to edit images in the Gallery app, logically organize tabs, and more. With an Android base underneath it, we'll likely see even more cool AI features coming to ChromeOS down the road. But even ChromeOS users who don't have the newer machines with NPUs benefit from the core aspects of the OS. ChromeOS updates itself without any fuss. All of your Google account data syncs automatically. Startup and shutdown times are lickety-split. And a big advantage that ChromeOS has over macOS is support for touch screens, which is extremely helpful for quickly tapping program buttons. Android obviously has many of these same advantages, but I wouldn't want ChromeOS to lose its personality or simplicity in a merger. Lots of Details Remain Unknown The terse remark by Samat was indeed welcome, but it provokes many questions, the biggest of which, of course, revolves around timing. Samat gave no clues on that matter, and some industry watchers think a merger of Android and ChromeOS is as many as five years off. I hope it happens a lot sooner than that. The relationship between ChromeOS and Android is already strong, but transitioning the desktop OS to the mobile platform will only benefit users. Android apps will run better, and more sophisticated integrations will help you work more efficiently between your phone and desktop. I anticipate some delays and roadblocks with this major undertaking, but an Android-based version of ChromeOS on Chromebooks seems like the most logical path forward for Google.

After a Decade of Chaos, Google Is Finally Getting Its Act Together

For years, Google's empire was a mess of disconnected gadgets. A new plan to merge Android and ChromeOS aims to finally build a true Apple killer, and the stakes have never been higher For over a decade, Google has ruled the mobile world in market share but not in power. Android is the most widely used operating system on the planet, yet Apple still controls the conversation, the culture, and the profits. Google’s vast empire, stretching from Chrome to Android, Gemini to Pixel, and foldables to tablets, has never quite clicked together. It’s powerful but disconnected, popular but often forgettable. That is about to change. Or at least, that is the plan. In a recent TechRadar interview, Android chief Sameer Samat revealed what might be Google’s most ambitious move since the launch of Android itself: a quiet unification of its software platforms. The goal is to stitch together Google’s fractured ecosystem and finally challenge Apple on its own turf. "We’re going to be combining ChromeOS and Android into a single platform, and I am very interested in how people are using their laptops these days and what they’re getting done,†Samat said. "I think you see the future first on Android." The comment sounds simple, but it points to a much deeper power grab. Google’s problem is not innovation. It is cohesion. This has been the company's Achilles' heel for years, littered with the ghosts of failed attempts at unity like Google+, Allo, and a disjointed Nest ecosystem. Android is everywhere, but it is not the same everywhere. The endless fragmentation that has defined the platform since its inception means that Pixel phones run differently than Samsung’s. Android tablets, despite years of effort, never truly caught on as iPad killers. ChromeOS lives in a parallel universe, mostly relegated to classrooms. Google's hardware ambitions, from the Pixel Watch to the Pixel Fold, have always felt more like side quests than a central strategy. Meanwhile, Apple has built an empire of perfect synchronization. Your iPhone talks to your MacBook, your AirPods, and your Apple Watch with seamless elegance. Even iMessage is not just a messaging app; it is a cultural weapon of loyalty, locking users into a walled garden where everything just works. Samat seems to understand this. He did not open his TechRadar interview by bragging about Android 16 or hyping Gemini. He started by asking a simple question: How do you use your laptop? The future Google wants does not stop at your phone. It connects your entire digital life, with Android at the center. The unification of Android and ChromeOS is a shot at a longstanding tech fantasy: a laptop that runs Android and actually works. Imagine a Galaxy Book or Pixelbook powered by Android, not as a clunky, blown-up phone interface, but as a true hybrid operating system. In this vision, your apps, messages, AI assistant, and files follow you across form factors without friction. This would be a world where Google controls the full experience much like Apple does, but across many brands instead of just one. This endgame is already underway. Google has quietly overhauled how Android updates roll out. Thanks to a system called Trunk Stable, Android 16 launched at the same time on Google Pixel and Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7, breaking years of update lag that plagued third-party devices. With new “Android Drops,†Google can now push features directly to all devices without a full OS upgrade. It is Android, but more alive, more Apple like, and infinitely more cohesive. The stakes are enormous. Google is trying to rebuild its entire consumer tech empire from a web of loosely connected parts into a unified, irresistible platform. This suggests that the company wants to own the next generation of computing. If it works, Android laptops become real contenders against MacBooks and Windows PCs. Google's AI, Gemini, becomes a truly ambient assistant, natively integrated across every device you own, not just bolted on. ChromeOS fades into the background, becoming a feature of a more powerful and versatile Android. In this future, Google does not just make software. It controls the experience. Then Android stays what it has always been: the world’s biggest platform, still chasing the cohesion and cultural weight it never quite had, and potentially losing the next decade's war for AI dominance before it even begins.

Google specifies how it will be the 'ChromeOS experience on top of Android'

In June of 2024, Google said ChromeOS would be built on Android going forward, with an interview last week describing it as a "single platform." We now have a bit more clarity on what's happening to ChromeOS in the future. After his interview about how Google is "going to be combining ChromeOS and Android into a single platform," Sameer Samat, President of the Android Ecosystem, had a follow-up post on social media this morning: Great to see so much interest in this topic! To reiterate what we announced in our 2024 blog post: we're building the ChromeOS experience on top of Android underlying technology to unlock new levels of performance, iterate faster, & make your laptop + phone work better together. Last year's announcement was focused on how ChromeOS would be using the Android Linux kernel, frameworks, and other underlying technical elements. While Google said the move would allow for more AI features in ChromeOS, simplify engineering, and boost Android phone-Chromebook integration, it was vague about what the end user experience would look like: At the same time, we will continue to deliver the unmatched security, consistent look and feel, and extensive management capabilities that ChromeOS users, enterprises, and schools love. -- Google The closest we got last year was a promise about offering a "consistent look and feel," which could have been interpreted as how a hypothetical Android replacement would have a user interface similar to ChromeOS. The pertinent part about Samat's confirmation today is "building the ChromeOS experience on top of Android underlying technology." It's the strongest indication to date that "ChromeOS" will persist as a user interface/experience going forward. Given how Chromebooks are finding market success today in education and enterprise, it's unwise for Google to stop offering that brand schools and companies are familiar with. Last month, Google announced the latest Chromebook Plus features, especially AI-backed capabilities. All this is happening in the context of Android 16 launching "desktop windowing" for apps on tablets later this year, and connected displays support in the future that allows you to connect a phone or tablet to an external monitor. It remains to be seen how this experience will relate to/exist alongside ChromeOS in the future.

Google's 'combining' Chrome OS and Android -- and it's the smartest move it's made in years

Chrome OS is good and all, but it's always felt distant -- on an island of its own away from the might of Android. Well, it turns out Google finally got the memo to send a rescue boat out to said island, as an executive has confirmed the company's plans to combine the two platforms. This comes in an interview with TechRadar, where Sameer Samat, president of Android ecosystem at Google, just dropped this nugget into a conversation about why the interviewer was using a suite of Apple devices. Now, we have heard this before. Back in November, Android Authority reported that a source inside Google had said this was the mission. However, this is the first time Google has confirmed it on-the-record. And honestly? It may be a few years late in my eyes, but I'm glad it's finally happening. Let me explain. This comes off the back of Android bringing some new big screen features to the table, such as a proper desktop mode a la Samsung Dex, improved adaptability of apps, better external display support and windowing within the desktop. Basically, Android is now able to do pretty much everything that a Chromebook could, so why have the two running side by side in isolation of each other? I'll always appreciate what Chrome OS has brought to the table, though. I mean with the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14, Google was able to make low-key one of the best laptops for students, sharpen up the OS with quick shortcuts and add AI features that are logically added rather than clumsily overlaid (looking at you, Microsoft Copilot). But what was learnt in Chrome OS can also come over to Android too, and having it all in one place unlocks a special new perk on the computing skill tree. This is the moniker you hear around a lot of Apple devices. It's one of the reasons why I use them, why Lance who conducted this interview at TechRadar uses them, and hell, it's probably why a lot of you out there use them. The fact that everything just comes together through Continuity features and marries these devices together nicely is always one of Apple's superpowers that Google has been able to do somewhat, but just not to the level of smoothness you'd find in the Cupertino playground. To do it properly, you need real sync up in the operating systems, which for all the heavy lifting Google did with Chrome OS to try and make it talk to Android, it was just not feasible. But now a proper merger is on the cards, this is the answer to all of its problems. And stat-wise it makes sense too. According to most recent data, around 1.25% of the world's computer users are on Chrome OS -- down from nearly 2% last year. With a downward trajectory, change needed to happen, and this might just be the smartest decision the company's made in a decade. As this was a quick quote from a Google exec, there are some questions I have that remain unanswered as of now: We don't have answers to any of these, and it'll be just a case of waiting and seeing what happens (my guess is by the time Android 17 rolls around). But as far as the initial news itself goes, this is an encouraging step in the right direction for Chromebooks.

Google confirms it's combining Chrome OS and Android into a single unified platform

Gugul plans to merge Chrome OS with Android. This aims to create a single platform for phones, tablets, and laptops. Chromebooks and Android tablets will run on a desktop-optimized Android version. This shift simplifies development and enhances AI integration. Users will experience seamless app usage across devices. Developers benefit from fewer compatibility issues. After years of speculation, Google has officially confirmed that it is working to merge Chrome OS into Android, marking a major shift in its operating system strategy. This move aims to consolidate its platforms into a single, unified experience across all types of devices -- phones, tablets, laptops, and beyond. A Unified OS for All Devices Sameer Samat, President of Google's Android Ecosystem, confirmed in a recent interview that Chrome OS will no longer remain a separate operating system. Going forward, devices like Chromebooks and Android tablets are expected to run on a desktop-optimized version of Android. This transition builds upon existing shared infrastructure, as Chrome OS already uses Android's Linux kernel and other core components. The goal is to enhance the Android ecosystem to support not only mobile devices but also offer a more powerful, desktop-like environment -- complete with multi-window interfaces, support for Linux apps, external displays, and browser extensions. Why Google Is Making the Shift Google's decision to consolidate its platforms offers several key advantages: What This Means for Users and Developers For users, this integration could bring: For developers, benefits include: Open Questions Remain While the shift is promising, a few important concerns have yet to be addressed: What Lies Ahead Google is reportedly testing a desktop mode for Android that includes window management tools, multi-window support, and even Linux terminal access. There are also rumors of a new "Pixel Laptop" prototype running this new version of desktop Android instead of Chrome OS. Additionally, Google has noticeably slowed Chromebook releases in 2025, a move that industry watchers see as a sign of preparation for a major operating system transition. Conclusion Google's bold move to unify Android and Chrome OS could redefine how we experience computing across devices. As the lines between mobile and desktop continue to blur, the tech giant appears to be positioning Android as the single ecosystem of the future -- smart, AI-ready, and seamless across screens.

Google Reportedly Melding Chrome OS and Android Into One Platform | PYMNTS.com

By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. In a conversation with TechRadar published Friday (July 11), Sameer Samat, president of the Android Ecosystem at Google, asked reporter Lance Ulanoff why he was using a MacBook Pro, Apple Watch and iPhone to understand about the apps he uses to manage these devices. "I asked because we're going to be combining ChromeOS and Android into a single platform, and I am very interested in how people are using their laptops these days and what they're getting done," Samat said. The report notes that this has been a big year for Android, with the ecosystem recently unveiling its Android 16, which Samat says was the platform's "biggest design change in Android in three or four years." As PYMNTS wrote in May, the phone's update includes a design called Material 3 Expressive, phones and watches using Google's operating system will be "more fluid, personal and glanceable," as Mindy Brooks, vice president of product management and user experiences, Android platform, wrote in a company blog post. In addition, the Tech Radar report discussed the combination of Android phones with Google's Gemini artificial intelligence (AI) model. Calling it "that Gemini Experience," Samat says users who switch from other phones are "seeing over and over again what they've been missing." He demonstrated how Gemini could both summarize a long YouTube video and break down its claims (with time stamps) by using in sources from the Web, something Tech Radar described as Gemini "leaning into its Google search roots." "What I'm getting at," Samat said, "is that Gemini integrated in a phone really provides a much more helpful experience. And when consumers do move over from an iPhone, they instantly realize that they've been missing a lot of this." PYMNTS looked at the state of AI-powered search -- as well as the possible future of Google -- in a recent interview with Adam Behrens, CEO of retail AI tech startup New Generation. He argued that in five years, Google won't be "a list of links," but "a service where you get answers, then actions, which changes how people shop and what they expect." "The traditional ad model starts to break down because there's less screen space and fewer choices; you either show up ready to be picked, or you're invisible," Behrens added. "For brands, it means they can't just live behind a website anymore. They need to show up across the entire AI ecosystem so they're shoppable, searchable and ready for whatever agent your customer is using."

Google Merges Android and ChromeOS to Create Unified Platform

Google has officially confirmed that it is working to merge its two operating systems -- Android and ChromeOS -- into one unified platform. The announcement was made by Sameer Samat, President of the Android Ecosystem at Google, during an interview with TechRadar. This marks the first time a senior Google executive has publicly acknowledged the merger. The move is seen as an effort to simplify the tech giant's software strategy and offer a smoother experience across smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Android is Google's most widely used operating system, especially on mobile devices, while ChromeOS powers Chromebooks, which are often used in schools and by budget-conscious users. According to Samat, the goal is to improve cross-device compatibility and make the user experience more seamless. While Android has a massive app ecosystem, it has struggled to adapt well to larger screens, such as tablets and laptops. On the other hand, ChromeOS offers better window management and browsing experience, but lacks full support for non-web apps. Bringing both systems together could help Google create a single platform that works well on all device types. This would also make it easier for developers to build apps that work across phones, tablets, and laptops without needing to adapt them for two different platforms. The integration process has been quietly underway since early 2024, when Google started shifting ChromeOS to run on Android's technical foundation, including the Android kernel. This technical shift is also helping Google roll out new AI features across devices more efficiently. In the long run, the merger could bring advanced AI tools, like Gemini, to Chromebooks and Android tablets as well. Talks about merging Android and ChromeOS date back more than a decade. In fact, the idea was first floated as early as 2013, and a full merger was expected around 2015. However, Google limited the integration to letting Chromebooks run Android apps. Over time, it became clear that this approach had limitations. Many Android apps did not work well on Chromebooks, especially when used with a mouse and keyboard. Some apps appeared too small, did not support side-by-side viewing, or responded poorly to clicks. Google announced last year that it would rebuild ChromeOS on Android's tech stack, signalling that deeper integration was underway. The current announcement only confirms that the two systems will eventually become one. Another factor pushing the merger could be ChromeOS's declining relevance. While Chromebooks saw popularity in education and budget markets, they never fully broke into the mainstream laptop market. In recent years, ChromeOS updates and visibility have slowed, raising questions about Google's long-term plans for the platform. Additionally, Google is facing legal pressure in the United States. The Department of Justice has raised concerns over Google's Chrome browser, claiming it gives the company too much control over online search and advertising. Following this, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) recommended a breakup of Google's operations, including the divestment of Chrome itself. If the government forces Google to divest Chrome, it could also put the future of the Chromium codebase -- which supports ChromeOS -- at risk. Merging ChromeOS with Android might be a way for Google to safeguard its operating system strategy if it loses control of its browser.

Google is aiming to combine Android and ChromeOS: Is this a good idea?

Unified OS promises AI-driven productivity, but risks ChromeOS's simplicity and performance on budget devices. Google's bold plan to merge ChromeOS and Android into a single operating system has sparked debate about its potential to reshape the tech landscape and challenge Apple's ecosystem. Announced in late 2024, the merger aims to unify Android's vast app ecosystem with ChromeOS's lightweight productivity features, creating a versatile platform for phones, tablets, and laptops. In an interview with TechRadar, Sameer Samat, President of the Android Ecosystem, said, "We're going to be combining ChromeOS and Android into a single platform, and I am very interested in how people are using their laptops these days and what they're getting done." But with ChromeOS's hallmark simplicity at risk of being overshadowed by Android's complexity, is this merger a good idea? Let's explore the benefits, trade-offs, and challenges. Also read: Google confirms to merge Android and ChromeOS in future: Here's what we know The primary motivation for the merger is to create a cohesive ecosystem that rivals Apple's seamless integration across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. Android powers over 3 billion devices, while ChromeOS dominates the U.S. education sector with a 60% share of device shipments. Combining them could enable features like app streaming, unified notifications, and cross-device AI powered by Google's Gemini, which Samat showcased for its context-aware capabilities. This could close the gap with Apple, whose ecosystem benefits from features like Continuity and a robust App Store. By merging Android's touch-optimized apps with ChromeOS's desktop strengths, such as multi-window multitasking and keyboard shortcuts. Google could challenge Apple's 55% tablet market share and make inroads into premium laptops with devices like the rumored Pixel Laptop. Also read: Google rolls out Android 16 with iPhone-style live updates, better hearing aid support and smarter notifications Samat emphasized Android's forward-looking vision, stating, "I think you see the future first on Android." Features like Android 16's Material 3 Expressive design and desktop mode, with external display support, signal Google's intent to blend mobile and desktop experiences. A unified OS could incentivize developers to optimize apps for larger screens, addressing Android's tablet app gap compared to iPadOS. Google's AI advancements give it an edge over Apple's slower AI rollout. Samat highlighted Gemini's integration, such as screen-sharing and real-time assistance, which could extend seamlessly across devices in a merged OS. This consistency could attract users seeking cutting-edge technology, positioning Google as a leader in AI-driven computing. For productivity, combining ChromeOS's browser-centric efficiency with Android's app ecosystem could create a versatile platform for both work and entertainment, appealing to professionals and students alike. ChromeOS's strength lies in its lightweight design, booting in seconds on low-spec hardware (e.g., 4GB RAM Chromebooks) and offering 10-year updates and robust security through sandboxing and verified boot. Android, however, is resource-intensive, with shorter update cycles (3-5 years) and variable performance across devices. Merging the two risks bloating the OS, potentially slowing down budget Chromebooks and eroding their affordability (many retail under $300). As one X user noted, Android apps on ChromeOS already perform poorly compared to phones, raising concerns that a full merger could exacerbate this. Samat's interview didn't address how Google will preserve ChromeOS's simplicity, leaving uncertainty about performance on older x86-based Chromebooks, as Android is optimized for Arm processors. This could render existing devices obsolete or degrade their experience, alienating ChromeOS's 50 million+ education users. The merger also risks creating a hybrid OS that feels clunky, neither as lightweight as ChromeOS nor as app-rich as Android. A stretched mobile interface that sacrifices ChromeOS's minimalist appeal is a rather unpleasant possibility. Google's history of abandoning projects like Fuchsia fuels doubts about its commitment, as does the lack of a clear timeline in Samat's comments. The U.S. Department of Justice's antitrust scrutiny, which questions Google's control over app distribution, could further complicate the merger. Ensuring compatibility across diverse hardware and maintaining ChromeOS's long update cycles and security will be critical to avoid alienating enterprise and education users. Google's plan to merge ChromeOS and Android is a good idea in theory, offering a unified, AI-driven platform to rival Apple's ecosystem. As Samat said, the focus on user needs and innovation suggests ambition, but the trade-offs are significant. Adding Android's complexity risks compromising ChromeOS's lightweight appeal, potentially alienating its core user base. Success hinges on Google's ability to balance these elements, perhaps by offering a "lite" mode for budget devices while delivering a robust experience on premium hardware. Without careful execution, the merger could fall short, but if done right, it could redefine Google's place in consumer tech.