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Topic: Google

Chrome and Android will remain separate, says Google's Eric Schmidt

Summary: Don't expect a Chromoid tablet or smartphone anytime soon: Google will continue to run its dual platform approach with both Android and Chrome OS - but there may be more "commonality" between the two in future.

Ben Woods

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Google's executive chairman Eric Schmidt has confirmed that the company's two operating systems — Android and Chrome OS — will remain separate entities.

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Schmidt quashed rumours that the two platforms could come together in the near future at the company's Big Tent event in India on Wednesday, according to a report on Reuters.

While combining the two platforms into one super-OS for its Chromebook and mobile devices doesn't look likely in the near future, Schmidt did say that there could be more "commonality" between the devices, according to the report.

Rumours of the possible shift in strategy were fuelled by the company's decision to appoint Sundar Pichai - head of Google's Chrome browser and Chrome OS - to take the helm of Android as well.

Google's rivals in the OS market also tend to keep two separate systems for their desktop/laptop and mobile devices. Apple uses OS X for its desktop line, and iOS for its iPhone and iPad devices. Similarly, Microsoft uses Windows 8 (or Windows RT) for its desktops and tablets, but is continuing on with Windows Phone for its smartphones.

Ubuntu, a new entrant into the smartphone and tablet platforms market, is using the same core kernel of Ubuntu on the desktop for its mobile and tablet aspirations. However, no phones or tablets have yet been announced that use Ubuntu OS, meaning it has quite a mountain to climb if it wants to be a viable platform contender.

Topics: Google, Android, Hardware, Laptops, Mobility

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With several years' experience covering everything in the world of telecoms and mobility, Ben's your man if it involves a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or any other piece of tech small enough to carry around with you.

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100 comments
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  • Chrome is the future

    Sandboxed Android is coming for those who need to get real work done.

    Then (and only then) will there be any point at all to Chromebooks. Right now, they're just a waste of silicon.
    x I'm tc
    Reply 2 Votes

    • so you are another Church of Holy Cloud's adept huh?

      there is no bright future for Chrome
      polarcat
      Reply 4 Votes

    • Wow

      Love my job, since I've been bringing in $5600… I sit at home, music playing while I work in front of my new iMac that I got now that I'm making it online.(Click Home information)
      .....http://goo.gl/ZaD4j
      MatthewZizz
      Reply 1 Vote

      • Disability.

        I'm on disability and I get almost the same as you.
        Stephen Charchuk
        Reply 1 Vote

    • RE: Chrome and Android will remain separate

      Duh. Two very different approaches to computing.

      If Google won't crack down on malicious Android apps in Google Play, then it needs to merge the security-enhanced android code into their own Android code. Probably a good idea to do this anyway as many users elect to install software from unsafe sources.
      Rabid Howler Monkey
      Reply 1 Vote

    • RE: Chrome is the future

      > Chromebooks. Right now, they're just a waste of silicon.

      Have you used one? Even held one?

      My Chromebook is a fantastic device. I knew going in that
      it would not replace my primary computer, but I like that it
      is small and portable and keeps me connected to all the
      Google services that I use daily.

      Yes, you have to buy into the Google Cloud reality to get
      the most out of the device, but I have an Android Phone
      and a Google Email Account: I'm in like Flynn with the
      whole concept and use.

      I know you're not bashing the device, but I wanted to
      make a point that even now a Chromebook fits into the
      needs and lifestyle of some.

      A second computer. A travel workstation. For students.

      And one of these days, we will find that most personal
      computing devices will be small and rely on cloud storage
      and access. So yes, Chrome and the Chromebook is
      indeed the future.
      Allenric Amaranth
      Reply 2 Votes

      • I think more of the concern is..

        There is a significant amount of overlap in the two use cases.

        There are very VERY few things in Chrome OS that you can't already do today on an Android tablet. So what is the point of artificially splitting the user bases?
        PolymorphicNinja
        Reply Vote

    • Android & Chrome

      Both are produced by Google. Google is in the business of spying on its users in order to sell more advertising. Hence, both are spyware. Only for suckers.
      jorjitop
      Reply 2 Votes

      • Nutjob...

        How's that tinfoil hat coming along?
        Stephen Charchuk
        Reply Vote

  • that's a good news

    "all in one" approach sucks for everyone who have tried it so far..... google should separate its mobile and pc operating systems but add native apps to its chrome os too!
    G3niusOwl
    Reply 2 Votes

    • RE: "add native apps to its chrome os too!"

      They've already started with the Chromebook Pixel by adding QuickOffice via native client to the Chrome browser. [Google acquired QuickOffice, a mobile office suite for iOS and Android, not too long ago.]
      Rabid Howler Monkey
      Reply 2 Votes

      • what does it use? i hope it's not going to be pure html 5/JS

        we need something to compile..i was hoping for delvik expansion!
        G3niusOwl
        Reply 1 Vote

        • NaCl

          Do Chromebooks not support NaCl?
          Patrick Aupperle
          Reply Vote

      • No bright future for Chrome...?

        So, I'm guessing the fact that the top selling notebook on Amazon.com being a Chromebook doesn't count then.
        thezorch@...
        Reply 1 Vote

      • Unity on Chrome

        I'd like to see the Unity 4 Engine ported to the Chromebook. If it were able to play high-quality games its appeal would rising even more than it is now.
        thezorch@...
        Reply Vote

  • Andorid apps are toy apps

    Chrome book is a waste of money
    Owllll1net
    Reply 6 Votes

    • Chrome Book

      Owl, name a better device for completely non-technical grandparents that I HAVE TO PROVIDE I.T. SUPPORT FOR and I'll agree with you! Trust me, Chrome Book is absolutely fantastic.
      REBERY
      Reply 8 Votes

      • Paying $300 for a browser is 'fantastic'

        The better device runs Windows and is available at the same price. For you grand parents, just create user-id in standard mode (without admin access), so nothing is messed up.
        Owllll1net
        Reply 4 Votes

        • Do you have elderly relatives to support?

          Total horsepucky.

          A Chromebox (not a Chromebook) is the only thing I would consider for my mother. I endured a decade of support requests from my late father-in-law.
          S_Deemer
          Reply 2 Votes

          • Chromebox over Chromebook

            Reasons for recommending a Chromebox over a Chromebook for elderly users:

            * Can use a bigger monitor and keyboard
            * Trackpads are difficult for older folks to master
            * Chromebox comes with 4 GB of RAM
            S_Deemer
            Reply 1 Vote
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