Google is integrating ChromeOS with the Android stack to make AI features available faster for Chromebooks and others. The company also wants to use this to improve the interoperability of devices running Google software.
This includes using the Android Linux kernel and Android frameworks as foundation elements of ChromeOS, which Google says offers many opportunities for further development of this operating system. Android apps are already available on ChromeOS. In addition, Google recently announced that it will replace ChromeOS’ Bluetooth stack with Android’s by version 122.
By adopting the Android-based stack, Google is preventing the rollout of AI functionality in ChromeOS from lagging behind that of Android devices. By making ChromeOS ‘more Android,’ Google hopes to speed up AI processes, simplify technical processes and improve interoperability between devices such as phones, accessories and Chromebooks, the company said in a blog post.
Seamless transition
Google promises that adding Android to ChromeOS will not affect security, the usual interface, or existing management capabilities. In doing so, the company hopes to reassure the clientele of schools and businesses that have jumped on the Chromebook train.
Google adds that it may take some time before users notice the integration, if they do notice it at all. The tech giant wants to roll out the implementation in phases and make the transition ‘seamless’ for users. Before that time, users can still expect regular software updates for their ChromeOS.
AI features for Chromebook Plus
Google recently expanded its more expensive Chromebook Plus line to include a host of new AI features. The most prominent of these is ‘Help Me Write’. With this feature, highlighted text can be improved, summarized or given a different intonation with the help of AI functionality. For example, the tool recognizes whether it might be useful to adopt a more professional tone within the context of an e-mail discussion.
Unlike Microsoft’s Copilot and Copilot+ products, which must have an NPU to call themselves a ‘true’ AI PC, Google’s AI functionalities do not require any further specifications beyond those Google asks for to earn a Chromebook Plus designation.
Also read: Chromebook Plus gets AI writing help and Gemini app