Tech

One Google executive says Chrome OS and Chromebooks will stick around, contrary to reports

By Antonio Villas-Boas
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News broke on Thursday from the Wall Street Journal that Google is going to fold Chrome OS, the operating system that runs on Chromebook laptops, into Android, Google's mobile operating system.

The same report said that Android would replace Chrome OS as the main operating system behind Google's line of Chromebook computers.

The move makes sense, as Android can be modified and improved to work well on computers. It would also allow users access to the countless Android apps in the Google Play store, whereas Chrome OS doesn't offer as much utility or versatility outside of its web browser. 

It looked like Google was going write off Chrome OS and Chromebooks.

However, Google senior vice president of Android and Chrome OS Hiroshi Lockheimer said in a tweet on Thursday night — spotted by 9to5Google — that Google is still "very committed to Chrome OS," and that there's a "ton of momentum" with Chromebooks.

So, while Lockheimer didn't directly dispute the WSJ report, it looks like we'll still see Chrome OS on Chromebooks, at least for awhile. There's still a good chance folding Chrome OS into Android will take some time, and Google doesn't want to see Chromebook sales drop off as a result of people waiting for a new Android-based laptop.

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Antonio Villas Boas
Antonio Villas-Boas
Antonio Villas-Boas was a consumer tech expert with over a decade of experience testing and reviewing smartphones, tablets, computers, smartwatches, and phone carriers.ExperienceAntonio joined the Business Insider team in 2015 as a tech reporter on the news desk and moved to the service journalism team in 2020. During his time as Business Insider’s senior tech reporter, Antonio developed industry-leading battery-life tests for smartphones and tablets, and covered and reviewed hundreds (if not thousands) of products from major brands like Apple, Google, Samsung, and OnePlus since as far back as Samsung’s Galaxy S6, the original Apple Watch, and the very first Google Pixel. This decade-plus of experience has given him tremendous insights into what consumer tech truly stands the test of time and what will be irrelevant in just a few years' time (RIP The Pebble).Antonio is also an experienced deal hunter, surfacing the best discounts on phones, laptops, and smartwatches for readers during sale events like Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. Previously, Antonio was a consumer-electronics analyst at PCMag and ran his own blog. Why you can trust AntonioAntonio approaches all his reviews not only as a tech expert but as a consumer himself. He reads every word of fine print in the phone carrier plans he reviews, and is deeply skeptical of deals that promise you the latest iPhone model for free. (Spoiler: it might be “free,” but you could be stuck with it for three years.)He largely recommends less expensive and small-scale fixes to upgrade your existing tech before considering buying the latest and flashiest in new tech. Antonio believes his role as the go-to “tech guy” for his family and friends extends to his readers as well; he only recommends products that have stood up to the testing process.Scripps News, NewsNation, Fox 5 DC, NBC LX, and Rich DeMuro’s “Rich On Tech” radio show have requested his commentary and expertise. ExpertiseHis expertise includes:
  • Phones, including the iPhone, Google Pixel, and Samsung Galaxy models
  • Phone accessories, including charging cables, phone cases, and protection plans
  • Smartwatches, including the Apple Watch, Galaxy Watch, Pixel Watch
  • Mobile carrier plans, including major carriers and MVNOs
  • Tablets, including iPads and Galaxy Tabs
  • Laptops and computers, including MacBooks and Windows models
  • Computer accessories, including mice, keyboards, and monitors
EducationAntonio graduated from Colgate University in 2009 with a bachelor's degree in history.Outside of workBesides testing tech products, Antonio is also a full time dad to two young kids. His ideal day would be spent on a lake in the Adirondacks.Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here.Learn more about how we test tech and electronics.
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