Google's Aluminium OS: The AI-Powered Android Desktop Set to 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 is working on Android-based "Aluminium OS" to replace ChromeOS on laptops

Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years. TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust. The big picture: Google is reportedly developing a new Android-based operating system for traditional PCs. Codenamed "Aluminium," the OS is expected to replace ChromeOS, Google's cloud-focused laptop platform, which continues to lag far behind Windows and macOS in the client PC market. Google mentioned the new OS in a job listing (since deleted) for a senior product manager for Android laptops and tablets. The listing states that the candidate will work on an Android-based operating system called Aluminium, "built with artificial intelligence at its core," suggesting deep integration with Gemini. The listing also noted that the role will involve managing the transition from ChromeOS to Aluminium. Until Aluminium-powered devices are ready to hit the market, the role will also involve curating a portfolio of ChromeOS devices across multiple form factors, including standard Chromebooks, 2-in-1s, tablets, and desktops. Additional responsibilities include collaborating with product managers and marketing teams to ensure smooth product launches and high customer satisfaction. The listing, posted by Google's Taiwan office two months ago, was still visible on LinkedIn until very recently. The company is no longer accepting applications, suggesting the position has likely been filled. While the listing provides few technical details about the new OS, it confirms the code name Aluminium (using the British spelling) and that it is intended to eventually replace ChromeOS. Google has long been developing a unified Android-based operating system for desktops and smartphones. A report from November 2024 revealed that the company's plans to merge its laptop and mobile platforms go beyond simply using Android components in ChromeOS; the strategy involves fully migrating the Chromium-based platform to Android. The job listing raises several questions, including whether existing Chromebooks will be eligible for the new OS. According to Android Authority, Aluminium OS is currently being tested on reference devices powered by MediaTek Kompanio 520 and Intel Alder Lake processors, suggesting that Chromebooks with these chips could potentially receive the update. At the Snapdragon Summit in September, Sameer Samat, Google's head of Android ecosystem, revealed for the first time that the company is combining ChromeOS and Android to create a new PC platform with "all the advances in AI and productivity." Samat also confirmed that the operating system is scheduled for release in 2026.

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

'Aluminium OS' tipped to be Google's new Android-based PC operating system

Google looking to replace ChromeOS with Android-based AluminIum OS For nearly a year, it's been hinted Google wants to merge its Android and ChromeOS operating systems into a single OS. Google confirmed this narrative in July, but a now-deleted job listing seems to confirm the firm's plans. Spotted by Android Authority, a two-month-old job listing for a project manager mentions work on a project named -- or codenamed -- "Aluminium OS." The ad goes on to describe the project as a "new operating system built with Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the core." The "ALOS" system is also described as "Android-based" with Google looking to build entry-level, mass market and premium devices using the new OS. Those devices include laptops, detachables, tablets and boxes at a variety of prices. It doesn't sound like ChromeOS will go away immediately, as the listing says the team will develop devices across both operating systems before eventually transitioning to ALOS. Interestingly, the name uses the British spelling with the ending -ium, though it might be a bit of a nod to Chromium, the open-source code that makes up the structure of ChromeOS. In November of 2024, Android Authority reported that a source inside Google confirmed the plan was to combine Android and ChromeOS. Google's Android Ecosystem President Sameer Samat officially confirmed that mission in July during an interview with our colleagues at TechRadar, stating "we're going to be combining ChromeOS and Android into a single platform." In September Google's Rick Osterloh announced it's working with Qualcomm to make a big push to bring Android to PCs, with Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon praising early versions of the software. Based on what we heard in September, it's likely the Aluminium project will launch in 2026, though what year is up in the air. The most likely windows are around the release of Android 17. Android 16 arrived early this year in June, rather than August or October. It's not yet clear if Android 17 will keep that date. We could also see ALOS during Google's big I/O event, which typically takes place in May, and both windows would suggest a spring or early summer debut.

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.

Your future Chromebook might run a new Android-based Aluminium OS

Google's "Aluminium OS" Emerges as the Future of Android-Powered PCs It looks like we finally have a name for Google's massive desktop project. After years of rumors and hints, a new job listing has basically spilled the beans: Aluminium OS is coming. This is the long-awaited platform that is supposed to merge the best parts of Android and ChromeOS into one AI-powered system. Thanks to some eagle-eyed spotting by Android Authority and this new job post, we now know that it's planning to debut this on PCs starting in 2026. Recommended Videos Google has been teasing this for a while. Back in mid-2024, it said ChromeOS would start using more Android tech under the hood. A year later, it confirmed it was building a "ChromeOS experience on top of Android." Now, "Aluminium" seems to be the real deal. Google's next OS is Android-based, AI-driven for PCs So, the leak came from a LinkedIn job post where Google was looking for a Senior Product Manager. The listing explicitly mentioned working on a "new Aluminium, Android-based operating system" with Artificial Intelligence at the very center. This isn't just a software update; it's a whole new strategy. The listing talks about "Aluminium" devices coming in different tiers - from "Entry" all the way up to "Premium" and "Mass Premium." We're talking laptops, tablets, detachables, and even streaming boxes. Crucially, the job description admits something Google has been cagey about: a long-term plan where ChromeOS and Aluminium OS will live side-by-side for a bit, but eventually, they will diverge (or merge completely). It suggests it's slowly moving the whole ecosystem onto this AI-first, Android foundation. Interestingly, engineers are already using terms like "non-Aluminium ChromeOS" and "Android Desktop" in bug reports, hinting that even if the underlying code changes, it might still keep using the familiar "ChromeOS" brand name for a while to avoid confusing everyone. What the Aluminium OS shift means for ChromeOS users and the road ahead If you use a Chromebook for work or school, this is the biggest shake-up in over a decade. Moving to an Android-first OS could be amazing - it could finally fix those weird app compatibility issues and bring way deeper AI features to your laptop. But it also raises some big questions: Will it be stable? Will schools be able to manage these new devices as easily as the old ones? Google has already confirmed that Android PCs are landing in 2026, and Aluminium OS is clearly the brain behind them. The next step will be it explaining exactly how this transition is going to work so we don't wake up one day with a laptop that works totally differently. Until then, Aluminium is the most ambitious thing it's done for the desktop in years.

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.

Aluminium OS: The magic sauce to bring Android to PC?

Google is working on a new operating system that fulfils its longheld desire to combine the best of Android and ChromeOS and it may be called Aluminium OS Google is apparently working on a new AI-centric operating system that'll bring together ChromeOS and Android and it'll be called Aluminium OS. That's according to a job listing for a product manager. The listing, spied by Android Authority, describes Aluminium OS as "a new operating system built with Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the core." And, while the OS is Android-based the listing suggests it'll be an eventual replacement for ChromeOS, which powers the company's popular Chromebook laptops. So, think Android on PC! The successful candidate will be responsible for a strategy that will "transit Google from ChromeOS to Aluminium" but that the two operating systems will co-exist initially. The new project manager will also oversee the creation of devices like laptops, tablets, boxes and tablets across the spectrum of price points. Google has spoken publicly about its plans for ChromeOS to be built on top of Android, while it also plans to build Android PCs running on Snapdragon silicon. The company has previously said combining Android and ChromeOS into one platform is "something we're super excited about for next year." It's not entirely clear how all this will come together, but it very much seems like Aluminium OS (nice work on the correct British-English spelling, Google) will have plenty to do with it. Back in September, the Google devices chief Rick Osteroh said: "Our strategy overall is to bring really, really rich computing experiences to every category. We talked about Autos, we talked about XR, we talked smartphones, of course. In the past, we've always had very different systems between what we are building on PCs and what we are building on smartphones." This sounds like the start of something big.

Google Aluminium OS explained: What it is and everything we know so far

There is something oddly comforting about watching tech finally catch up to the way we actually use it. For years, we have lived this split life where our phones feel incredibly smart and personal, but our laptops still behave like these stubborn machines that refuse to enter the same ecosystem party. I have always found it funny that Google, the company that literally powers half of our digital existence, still expects us to juggle two very different worlds. ChromeOS on one side with its lightweight charm, Android everywhere else with all the apps and familiarity we rely on. It felt like living with two siblings who refused to sit at the same dinner table. So when the first whispers of Aluminium OS started showing up, it finally sounded like Google doing the thing we have all been silently hoping for. The idea of opening your laptop and seeing an interface that feels as intuitive as your phone is exciting in a very real way. Think about everything we already do on our phones and imagine that comfort scaling up to a proper laptop that can run full apps, handle proper desktop workflows, and use AI in a way that does not feel gimmicky. For someone like me who switches between devices constantly, Aluminium OS feels like the kind of upgrade that could change daily life, not just tech benchmarks. Also read: Meet Laptab, a laptop that is also a tablet announced by Ai+ Google seems to be thinking the same way. And over the past few days, we finally have an idea of what Aluminium OS could be. Not complete, but enough to know that something significant is coming. So, here is a closer look at everything we know so far. A report from Android Authority a couple of days back sent the entire internet buzzing. It talked about Google's plan to unite Android and ChromeOS. Turns out, Google has been quietly working towards this shift for years, trying to bridge a gap that only kept getting bigger. Android had become the face of Google's ecosystem, yet ChromeOS was the one sitting on desktops and laptops. It created this odd imbalance where Google's most powerful, widely used operating system had almost zero presence in traditional PCs. Sources told Android Authority that Google wanted a unified desktop platform that could compete more directly with iPads and macOS. And in July, Google actually confirmed part of that reporting when executives publicly said that the company was merging ChromeOS and Android into a single platform. Then came Qualcomm's Snapdragon Summit, where Google made it official. Aluminium OS is coming, and AI sits at the heart of it. According to reports, Aluminium OS is Google's codename for its new Android-based desktop operating system. A Google job listing, spotted by Android Authority and later referenced by Mashable and The Verge, mentioned a senior product manager role focused on a new Aluminium platform built for laptops, detachables, tablets, and PC-like devices. It also used the acronym ALOS, which likely stands for Aluminium Operating System. The naming choice itself is a fun detail. The Verge pointed out that the British spelling seems to be a nod to Chromium, the open source base of ChromeOS, while also highlighting Android as the foundation. The listing clearly stated that it is Android based, not ChromeOS based, which signals a major shift in Google's long term strategy. WeAreTenet added more context, explaining that Aluminium OS is designed to make big screen devices feel more intuitive, more connected, and more scalable than what ChromeOS can do today. It is expected to offer deeper system wide AI features powered by Gemini, smarter multitasking, and better integration across phones, tablets, and laptops. Every report stressed one thing. AI is not an enhancement here. It is the foundation. At the Snapdragon Summit, Google's Rick Osterloh said the goal was to bring Google's entire AI stack to PCs, including Gemini models, next generation assistants, and Android's app ecosystem. This can be looked at as Google's intent to move beyond lightweight ChromeOS experiences and tap into the full power of modern CPUs, GPUs, and NPUs. Additionally, this could unlock things like on device summarisation, intelligent multitasking, context aware system assistance, native language generation tools, and possibly a redesigned workflow that feels built around AI instead of retrofitted. The idea is simple. If your phone can already use Gemini for real time editing, translation, transcription, and smart suggestions, your laptop should be able to do it better. All these reports brought about a common question in everyone's minds. What will happen to Chrome OS and will it disappear? And so far, it doesn't look like Chrome OS will be history. Both The Verge and Mashable made it clear that Google plans to run ChromeOS and Aluminium OS in parallel for some time. The job listing even mentioned managing a combined portfolio of ChromeOS and Aluminium devices. But it also subtly referenced planning the transition away from ChromeOS, which makes it clear that Aluminium OS will eventually take over. WeAreTenet added that ChromeOS is unlikely to be shut down instantly. Instead, it will probably phase out once Aluminium OS becomes stable enough to replace it. Reports pointed out that Google is already testing Android 16 builds on development hardware. And this early testing includes Intel and MediaTek platforms, suggesting Google is preparing a wide range of devices. Moreover, the goal was not just budget laptops. The job listing specifically mentioned entry level, mass market, and premium hardware. In simpler words, Google wants this OS everywhere be it laptops, detachables, tablets, boxes or mini PCs. Google has confirmed that the new platform will launch in 2026. It is still not clear if that means early 2026 or late 2026, but given the internal testing cycle, the first public release will likely be based on Android 17. So yes, we are still a year away, but the groundwork is happening right now. Tech shifts often appear subtle on the surface, yet they usually mark huge internal changes. Aluminium OS does not simply appear to be about giving Android a desktop makeover. It looks like Google's attempt to finally close the decade-long gap between ChromeOS and Android. It is also a strategic move to compete more directly with macOS and Windows, and to prepare for an era where AI becomes the foundation of how people interact with their devices. At its core, Aluminium OS promises a level of consistency that has been missing from Google's ecosystem. Phones, tablets, laptops, and smart displays could eventually operate within a unified language. Same apps. Same workflows. Same assistant. The same AI system powering everything seamlessly in the background. This convergence is what makes Aluminium OS feel like a meaningful shift rather than another product refresh. If Google manages to deliver the platform it is envisioning, the way people use computers could evolve in a natural and intuitive way. Not flashy or forced. But simply, a more cohesive ecosystem that aligns with the way modern devices are already used.

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.