Google's vision for an Android PC might require more time than anticipated.

      Project Aluminium encounters obstacles related to timing, partnerships, and policies before it can be launched.

      Last year, it was announced that Google is developing a new series of Android PCs that will run on an operating system named Aluminium OS. Additionally, there were indications that these PCs might include a basic version of the Pixel Camera app. However, the actual release of the PCs may take more time. According to The Verge, an in-depth report on Google’s internal Project Aluminium indicates that the Android-based PC operating system is not near its release date.

      Digital Trends

      Google has discussed the idea of merging Android and ChromeOS into a cohesive platform, but legal documents and internal timelines suggest that a comprehensive public launch may not take place until 2028, with limited testing possibly commencing sooner. The delays are not solely technical; they are also strategic. Google is still determining how an Android PC OS will coexist with ChromeOS, which currently operates on millions of Chromebooks, particularly in educational and business settings. ChromeOS is not going to vanish anytime soon.

      Reasons Aluminium may take years to materialize

      Testimony and internal documents referenced in the report state that Google intends to maintain ChromeOS support on current devices for up to ten years, possibly extending into the early 2030s. This implies that two platforms could exist simultaneously for an extended period. Some older Chromebooks might not be capable of upgrading to Aluminium due to hardware limitations, which could compel Google to provide extended support for parallel systems longer than originally anticipated.

      Unsplash

      This overlap raises complex questions. Should partners deliver ChromeOS or Android for PC? Will applications function similarly on both? How can developers focus on one platform without dividing the ecosystem? Even fundamental aspects like keyboard, mouse, and multi-window functionalities demand greater modifications than Android’s existing tablet mode offers. Furthermore, legal and business complications add another layer of complexity. The documents reveal that Google’s laptop OS strategy aligns with ongoing antitrust investigations and Play Store regulations, potentially influencing how Google bundles its apps and services on Aluminium devices.

      US v. Google (2020) / Mickens demonstrative

      In essence, even if the software is ready to go, how it’s packaged and disseminated could spark controversies. For consumers, the main takeaway is clear: Android laptops are not imminent. ChromeOS will continue to be Google’s primary PC platform for the foreseeable future, and Aluminium appears to be a long-term development rather than an immediate substitute. When it eventually launches, anticipate a period of adjustment rather than an instant overhaul. If you're thinking about acquiring a Chromebook or are waiting for an Android-native PC, it's advisable to keep your expectations realistic.

      Varun is a seasoned technology journalist and editor with over eight years of experience in consumer tech media. His work covers...

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