After saying Chrome OS will be merged with Android, Google now refutes rumors of phasing out Chrome OS
Google is not ditching Chrome OS. A recent report in the Wall Street Journal last week claimed that Google is preparing to merge its mobile OS Android and Chrome OS in development for a 2017 launch. However, the tech giant issued a new statement on Monday stating that Chrome OS “is here to stay” and it is not planning to get rid of its Chrome OS.
The company admits that it’s “been working on ways to bring together the best of both operating systems”. Google says that “there’s more to do,” citing, for example, the recent addition of select Android apps to Chrome OS – but maintained that there are no plans ‘to phase out Chrome OS.’
Android and Chrome SVP Hiroshi Lockheimer wrote in a blog post “We have plans to release even more features for Chrome OS, such as a new media player, a visual refresh based on Material Design, improved performance, and of course, a continued focus on security. With our regular six-week software cycle and guaranteed auto-updates for five years, Chromebooks keep getting better over time.”
Google’s blog post from Lockheimer also makes it clear that all Chromebooks are guaranteed to get Chrome OS updates for five years from release.
Chromebooks has seen strong sales in the education sector due to its simplicity and security model. Also, Chrome OS is more secure than Android. The sandboxed safety of Chrome OS, along with its simplicity, has given Chromebooks and Chromeboxes traction in schools and at some businesses. On the other hand, Android is much more successful as a consumer product, and has a massive app ecosystem that could benefit laptop and desktop users.
The rumors of Chrome OS demise were greatly exaggerated. While Google is working on bringing the best features of Chrome OS and Android together, they will continue to remain distinct products.
