Google's Aluminium OS: The AI-Powered Android Desktop That Will Replace ChromeOS

Aluminium OS will be Google's take on Android for PC

We know a little more about Google's long-gestating plans to combine the best parts of Android and ChromeOS into a single OS thanks to a job listing for a product manager to work on "Aluminium OS." The job ad describes it as "a new operating system built with Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the core." Android Authority first reported on the job listing, which is two months old, but wasn't spotted until recently. It gives a name -- or more likely codename -- to Google's new operating system for the first time, along with the initialism "ALOS." It specifically describes Aluminium as "Android-based," and says the company is looking at entry-level, mass market, and premium hardware for the OS. It doesn't sound like ChromeOS will be going away entirely though, at least not at first. According to the listing, the team will be responsible for creating "a portfolio of ChromeOS and Aluminium Operating System" devices across various form factors ("laptops, detachables, tablets, and boxes") and price points. That said, the ad also mentions the need to create a strategy to "transit Google from ChromeOS to Aluminium," suggesting that the eventual plan is to phase out ChromeOS and replace it with the new Android alternative. The name is noteworthy too, if only for using the British spelling, ending in "-ium." That might just be a nod to Chromium, the open-source code that underlies ChromeOS. Google has been considering bringing some form of Android to PCs for over a decade, but has begun talking about the prospect more seriously in recent years. Android Authority reported that new plans were in the works last year, and Android head Sameer Samat has since confirmed that the company is "combining Chrome OS and Android into a single platform," with plans to release it next year.

Goodbye ChromeOS? Job Listing Tips Google's Plans for Its Android for PC OS

All year, Google has been teasing plans to make an Android for PC operating system, and a job listing suggests the software's codename is Aluminium OS. The listing, which is no longer accepting applications, was posted over two months ago and was recently spotted by leaker Frost Core, Android Authority reports. It sought a Senior Product Manager in Taipei, Taiwan, to work on a new operating system. "The team is working on a new Aluminium, Android-based, operating system and a new focus on Premium devices and experiences," the ad said. "Aluminium is a new operating system built with Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the core." (Google used similar phrasing when discussing its Android XR OS release.) The ad also confirms Google's intention to replace ChromeOS. The ad said, "Develop and maintain a product/portfolio roadmap that addresses deliverables and strategy that transit Google from ChromeOS to Aluminium with business continuity in the future." However, Google isn't finished with ChromeOS just yet, as the ad noted that the role would continue to handle future products running the software for the time being. Google also suggests that the brand may expand the software beyond laptops to other PC products, such as "detachables, tablets, and boxes." It also states there will be different price levels, referring to them as AL Entry, AL Mass Premium, and AL Premium. This ad doesn't confirm Aluminium Operating System as the final name for its new platform. However, it's used multiple times in the ad, as is the shortened ALOS version, which may suggest it could be part of Google's final naming convention. If this is the final name for the software, Google selected a curious spelling -- Aluminium, which is more typical of British English, instead of Aluminum, which is more common in the US. As Android Authority notes, Google might want something similar to Chromium with an "ium" ending.

Google's ChromeOS replacement has a new name and more revealed details

Summary Google is developing Aluminium OS - an Android-based desktop to replace ChromeOS. Built with AI at the core, Aluminium deeply integrates Gemini and Google's AI stack. Roadmap covers laptops, tablets, boxes and tiers from Entry to Premium to rival high-end PCs. ChromeOS is getting replaced by... Android. We've known for a while that Google's eventual goal is to merge ChromeOS into Android and replace that with an Android-based desktop operating system. It won't be quite Android, though. And now, we have a few details on how this OS might be shaping up. According to new reports and internal job listings, the tech giant is still hard at work putting together a desktop platform based on Android that will eventually replace ChromeOS on some, or most (or all!) new laptops and computers. The OS is codenamed Aluminium OS, and it's not clear if Aluminium will be the final name or if it's just a placeholder codename. It's, at least, mentioned in one Google LinkedIn job listing as Aluminium, and the wording makes it sound pretty final, but things could change. The job listing also leads us into what Google is planning to do with this Aluminium operating system, including even a roadmap. Google is looking for a new product manager who will be tasked with curating a portfolio across "all form factors," including laptops, tablets, detachables, and "boxes" (likely tiny PCs similar to the Mac Mini). The roadmap even delineates specific hardware tiers: "AL Entry," "AL Mass Premium," and "AL Premium." This tiered structure confirms that Google intends to compete across the entire price spectrum, leveraging high-end hardware to rival the MacBook Air and Surface Laptop lines. Currently, Chromebooks are mostly budget machines, and the few times Google or other manufacturers have tried to make high-performance Chromebooks, it hasn't really turned out great. This aligns with the recent "Chromebook Plus" initiative, but suggests a much more aggressive push into the high-performance market. Aluminium OS is also reportedly being "built with AI at the core." This involves deep integration with Gemini, Google's large language model. It's not exactly surprising. Not only is AI everywhere these days, but Rick Osterloh, Google's SVP of Devices and Services, has previously noted the company's intention to bring its full AI stack, including assistants and developer tools, into the PC domain. As for ChromeOS, it's not entirely clear what's going to happen to it, but the LinkedIn listing gives us some clues. The job listing describes a strategy to "drive ChromeOS and Aluminium" simultaneously, implying a period of coexistence where we might have PCs powered by either OS. However, the ultimate goal is a transition "from ChromeOS to Aluminium with business continuity." It's still early days, and we're not sure where we'll see this new OS. But we're excited to learn more. Source: Android Authority

Google is looking to take over the desktop with Aluminium OS

ChromeOS is more than a decade old, but it has never posed a real threat to Macs and PCs in the high or mid-range category. It was not because there weren't any premium Chromebooks, but because the underlying OS wasn't on par with the powerful features users have on Windows and macOS. This was one of the reasons the rumors of Google looking to replace ChromeOS with Android felt believable when they first surfaced in November last year. We can no longer treat it as merely a rumor because Google made it official at this year's Snapdragon Summit. And now, the company has accidentally revealed more information about what users can expect from Android on the desktop. Related Google says ChromeOS will merge into Android It's official Posts 9 By Rajesh Pandey Jul 14, 2025 Google's Android desktop will focus on the AI wave everyone's riding The latest pieces of information about Android on desktop come from a job listing for a 'Senior Product Manager, Android, Laptop and Tablets,' first spotted by a tipster on Telegram named Frost Core (via Android Authority). The job listing first appeared a couple of months ago and is no longer accepting new applications, but the job description hints at Android for desktop internally being called "Aluminium." Interestingly, Google has chosen a British English spelling for the project's codename. While it may or may not indicate something, the job posting explicitly mentions that "Aluminium is a new operating system built with Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the core." Microsoft is also heading in this direction with Windows, but the software giant recently came under fierce criticism ever since it made its willingness public. Google will want to avoid the negative press around AI when it launches a product with "Aluminium" OS, but for that, the company needs to get it right, especially since the operating system has a 'new focus on Premium devices and experiences,' unlike ChromeOS. The job description doesn't say anything about when Android will become available for desktop. But it does highlight the company's long-term plan with the new "Aluminium" OS. As per the listing, Google will eventually replace ChromeOS with "Aluminium" OS, but it also intends to do so without causing any disruptions to the enterprise workflow. That's good news for business users relying on ChromeOS. Although Google hasn't made any official announcement regarding the availability, its upcoming desktop operating system is unlikely to support all Chromebooks. If that's indeed the case, those unsupported devices should continue to receive security updates until the version of ChromeOS reaches end of support. When can we expect Android on the desktop? Google hasn't specified the exact release date, but at this year's Snapdragon Summit, Sameer Samat, Google's Head of the Android Ecosystem, confirmed that the new Android desktop operating system will be available in 2026. Related Google has never been good with operating systems: Will the jump from ChromeOS to Android make a difference? Google's shaky history may not bode well for the ChromeOS to Android migration Posts 18 By Zach Gray-Traverso Dec 21, 2024

What is Aluminium OS? What we know about Google's Android for PC plans.

Despite Android's presence in nearly every corner of the tech industry, it has yet to truly establish a foothold on PC platforms. Google has had ChromeOS for years, but the ubiquity of Android -- paired with its lack of a meaningful foothold in traditional computing -- made it clear something had to give. Now, Google is moving to unify ChromeOS and Android into a single desktop platform, currently operating under the codename "Aluminium OS." What is Aluminium OS As far as we know -- thanks to reporting from Android Authority -- Aluminium OS is the internal codename for Google's unified Android/ChromeOS desktop platform. The merger was officially announced this past September at Qualcomm's Snapdragon Summit, although rumors about a ChromeOS-Android convergence had been circulating for at least a year. In that September announcement, Google stated that it would be partnering with Qualcomm to develop a new platform that integrates mobile and desktop computing, powered by the latest advancements in AI. The name "Aluminium OS" comes from a tip shared with Android Authority, which led the outlet to a now-deleted Google job listing for a Senior Product Manager in Taipei City, Taiwan. Luckily, Archive.today captured the posting before it disappeared. In it, Google states it is "working on a new Aluminium, Android-based, operating system" and that "Aluminium is a new operating system built with Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the core." The role also mentions "driving the roadmap and curating a portfolio of ChromeOS and Aluminium Operating System (ALOS) commercial devices across all form factors (e.g. laptops, detachables, tablets, and boxes)." In other words, Aluminium OS won't be limited to laptops. Tablets and so-called "boxes" -- which Android Authority interprets as budget-style machines, such as Chromebooks or even Mac Mini-style devices -- are also part of the plan. Still, many questions remain: Is ChromeOS getting sunset? Which Gemini features will be introduced to Android on PC? What's the release date? What devices will be supported? Will existing Chromebooks receive the upgrade? For now, the clearest thing we have is the codename -- a glimpse at Google's upcoming AI-powered Android experience for PCs, one that's poised to expand well beyond budget laptops.

Job listing reveals 'Aluminium' codename for Android desktop OS

Google is bringing Android to personal computers, codenamed 'Aluminium OS,' to unify its desktop computing efforts and challenge Windows and macOS dominance. One year ago, Android Authority reported Google's plan to use Android as its unified desktop OS. A Google executive confirmed a merger between ChromeOS and Android. At Qualcomm's Snapdragon Summit in September, Google officially announced its collaboration with Qualcomm to develop a new platform converging mobile and desktop computing, leveraging AI advancements. While Google intends to bring Android to PCs, details regarding the future of ChromeOS, device compatibility, and interface remain unspecified. Job listings and bug reports offer insights into the project. A recent job listing for a 'Senior Product Manager, Android, Laptop and Tablets' explicitly mentions working on a "new Aluminium, Android-based, operating system." This confirms Aluminium as the codename for the unified platform. The name likely references Android as the project's foundation, mirroring Chromium's "-ium" suffix. Aluminium OS is "built with artificial intelligence (AI) at the core," suggesting deep integration with Gemini, Google's AI chatbot and large language model. Rick Osterloh, Google's SVP of Devices and Services, stated at the Snapdragon Summit that the company aims to leverage its AI stack, including Gemini models and the Assistant, into the PC domain. Gemini currently powers on-device AI features on premium smartphones requiring significant CPU, GPU, and NPU resources. The Senior Product Manager role involves "driving the roadmap and curating a portfolio of ChromeOS and Aluminium Operating System (ALOS) Commercial devices across all form factors (e.g. laptops, detachables, tablets, and boxes) and tiers (e.g., Chromebook, Chromebook Plus, AL Entry, AL Mass Premium, and AL Premium)." This indicates Android will extend beyond laptops to include detachables, tablets, and mini-PCs. The tiered structure, encompassing 'AL Entry,' 'AL Mass Premium,' and 'AL Premium,' confirms Google's aim to compete across the entire PC spectrum, not just budget hardware. The project is expected to launch in 2026. The initial public release will likely be based on Android 17.

Google Aluminium OS Unveiled in Job Posting: The Android PC Era Begins - Phandroid

Remember when we said Google might merge ChromeOS into Android? Turns out the company wasn't just thinking about it, they've been building it. According to a post on Telegram by tipster Frost Core, a newly posted job listing for a "Senior Product Manager, Android, Laptop and Tablets" has revealed Aluminium OS, Google's Android-based operating system designed specifically for laptops, tablets, and desktop PCs. The listing describes the role as driving "ChromeOS and Aluminium (e.g., Android) platforms and devices" while building a roadmap to "transit Google from ChromeOS to Aluminium." The position covers multiple device types including laptops, detachable tablets, and small desktop units. Interestingly, Google has already established product tiers labeled "AL Entry," "AL Mass Premium," and "AL Premium," suggesting a full lineup from budget to high-end PCs is already in the works. Both operating systems will coexist for some time. Existing Chromebooks will continue receiving updates through their end-of-life dates while Google gradually shifts new premium devices to Aluminium OS. Aluminium OS connects directly to Google's Android PC project with Qualcomm, where the company partnered with the chipmaker to adapt Android into a desktop-class platform running on ARM-based processors. The platform is described as "built with Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the core," featuring tight Gemini integration and system-level AI capabilities like context-aware assistance and smart search across files and apps. This isn't Google's first attempt at Android desktops. However, the company has been laying groundwork for years, testing ChromeOS integration with Android through virtualization and refining desktop mode with each release. With Qualcomm's advanced ARM chips now powerful enough for desktop workloads, Aluminium OS might finally deliver the unified platform Google has been chasing since it first teased merging the two operating systems back in 2015.

Google's Job Listing Confirms AI-Powered Aluminium OS Project For PCs

Google's Aluminium OS will combine ChromeOS and Android features Google currently offers ChromeOS for PCs and laptops, which is claimed to be a more efficient and less resource-hungry alternative to the Windows operating system (OS). Meanwhile, its Android OS powers the smartphones, tablets, and augmented reality (AR) headsets. Now, the US-based tech giant appears to be developing the Aluminium OS (ALOS), which will be an Android-based OS specifically designed for PCs and laptops. The company has also started hiring managers to oversee the project, too. The job listings for the same confirm the development of ALOS. Aluminium OS Will Ship With Future Premium Laptops, Tablets According to a job listing posted on LinkedIn, the professional networking platform, the Mountain View-based tech giant is looking to hire a Senior Product Manager, Android, Laptop and Tablets, who is based out of Taipei, Taiwan. The application window for the same has been closed. Interestingly, the executive will be responsible for overseeing the development of "ChromeOS and Aluminium Operating System (ALOS) Commercial devices across all form factors." Moreover, the ALOS will be built with "AI at its core" for Premium devices. It will power Chromebook and Chromebook Plus laptops, detachable devices, and tablets, as per the job description. It will combine the capabilities of ChromeOS and Android into one platform for commercial devices. However, the company has yet to announce additional details about the upcoming OS, which are expected to be revealed in the coming months. On top of this, under "Responsibilities", the listing mentions that the Google executive will also develop and maintain a "portfolio roadmap" to address deliverables, while strategising Google's transition from "ChromeOS to Aluminium with business continuity in the future". This suggests that the Mountain View company plans to eventually phase out ChromeOS in favour of the upcoming ALOS. Recently, a report indicated that Qualcomm is developing Snapdragon X and Snapdragon X Elite chips for PCs, which will support Android 16. Moreover, Android Authority reported in September that the chipmaker is working with Google to bring Android OS to PCs. To make this possible, Qualcomm is reportedly building a new PC platform that "converges mobile and desktop computing" power, while also "leveraging" recent AI developments.

Google job listing hints at Aluminium OS, an AI-first Android platform for PCs

Google is quietly building something that might feel like a huge shift in personal computing. For years, ChromeOS and Android lived parallel lives, serving different users with different expectations. Yet somewhere inside Google, a decision was made to merge those worlds and build a single, AI-first platform meant for the next decade of laptops. Now, a new job listing and scattered internal references have revealed the clearest picture yet of what Google is reportedly calling Aluminium OS. Also read: Flipkart Black Friday Sale 2025: Best discounts on laptops A Google job listing on LinkedIn lead to the reports of Google working on something new. The listing directly calls the new platform "Aluminium OS." Unlike ChromeOS, which grew out of a browser-centric philosophy, Aluminium OS is described as Android-based and built with artificial intelligence at the core. Google's wording suggests that this isn't a ChromeOS update or a side project. It might actually be a full operating system, designed for laptops, detachables, tablets, and even mini PCs. The listing outlines multiple tiers, from AL Entry to AL Premium, suggesting Google wants Android PCs across budget, mainstream, and premium hardware. Internal references spotted in bug reports also show engineers working on Aluminium builds for devices running MediaTek Kompanio 520 and Intel's 12th Gen chips. This strongly hints that some existing Chromebooks might eventually be eligible for the transition. Google's plan to bring Android to laptops didn't appear out of thin air. The first real spark came this year in September during Qualcomm's Snapdragon Summit, where Google's SVP of Devices and Services, Rick Osterloh, finally said the quiet part out loud. Sharing the stage with Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon, Osterloh acknowledged something that many longtime Google watchers already believed: maintaining two separate platforms, Android for phones and ChromeOS for PCs, was becoming a constraint. And for the first time, he revealed that Google was joining forces with Qualcomm to build a unified foundation for future computers. At that moment, he didn't immediately use the phrase "Android PC," but the message was clear. Moments later, he stated, "Android is gonna be able to serve everyone in every computing category," ending any speculation. That single line, delivered almost casually, confirmed Google's biggest platform shift in over a decade.