Google Plans to Merge ChromeOS and Android, Develop Desktop Mode for Smartphones
Google is planning a important shift in its operating system strategy, aiming to merge ChromeOS and android into a single, unified platform. This move, revealed by Google’s hardware chief Rick Osterloh, signals a future where ChromeOS will be entirely based on Android, streamlining development and offering a more consistent user experience across devices.
The consolidation comes alongside preparations for a dedicated desktop mode for android smartphones. Unveiled at Google I/O 2025, this feature will move beyond simple screen mirroring, providing a true desktop surroundings with resizable, freely arrangeable app windows and a taskbar when connected to external displays. currently available on Pixel devices through developer settings, the desktop mode is nearing completion, with Osterloh indicating a highly advanced stage of development during a recent interview. This integration could blur the lines between smartphones and conventional computers, potentially challenging established PC manufacturers and offering users a versatile computing experience.
