Tech
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
