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If you, like me, were wondering why Google thinks it needs another operating system (ChromeOS, Android, Fuchsia - which is presumably dead (edit/turns out it's
by 0manrho 11mo ago
If you, like me, were wondering why Google thinks it needs another operating system (ChromeOS, Android, Fuchsia - which is presumably dead (edit/turns out it's not/edit)) or where it fits in with the "stack":
> ChromeOS and Aluminium Operating System (ALOS) Commercial devices across all form factors (e.g. laptops, detachables, tablets, and boxes) and tiers (e.g., Chromebook, Chromebook Plus, AL Entry, AL Mass Premium, and AL Premium) that meets the needs of users and the business.
Sounds like ChromeOS is Android for entry/thin and similar PC's and Aluminum is more upmarket/premium.
Also, to be honest, this doesn't seem like "a new OS" to me, but rather a shift in Android's roadmap and an associated rebrand to try to push ChromeOS/Android upmarket to try and expand their "Devices with Gemini/Google AI as a first-class service/product" footprint beyond cell phones.
Given the push for arm in the consumer PC space, I can kinda see why google is renewing efforts here even if you set the AI stuff aside.
- 0manrho 11mo agoOh, Fuchsia isn't dead [0]. Apparently it's what the Nest Hub launched with and the latest update is pretty recent: from Oct 2025. Interesting. (Replying to my own comment instead of editing it as this is tangential to the topic at hand) 0: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuchsia_(operating_system) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuchsia_(operating_system)
- mdhb 11mo agoNot only is it not dead it’s under HEAVY active development and has been for quite some time now. They seem particularly focused on the Linux compatibility layer (starnix) as far as I can tell. I’d say they are most likely going to end up becoming the thing that Android sits on top of. There is already public indications of some variant of it called “microfuchsia” coming to Android. I wouldn’t be surprised to hear that this is all part of the same launch that they are working towards here.
- p1necone 11mo ago> Linux compatibility layer I can't wait to play Windows PC games on a Linux compatibility layer (Proton) on a Fuschia compatibility layer (Starnix) and still have them inexplicably run smoother than on the system they were originally developed for.
- hulitu 11mo ago> Oh, Fuchsia isn't dead It is resting ...
- malfist 11mo agoLet's be honest, nobody is asking for android based desktops, google just wants to normalize rent seeking 30% of all software sales.
- mynameisash 11mo agoFor all the complaints against Windows, legit or not, I can't envision a world in which I want the world's largest advertiser to run my desktop OS.
- tomComb 11mo agoPixels and Chromebooks have never had any ads. Windows 11 is plastered with them.
- Ajakks 11mo agoThat's hilarious. I never see ads on my Windows 11 PC.
- SapporoChris 11mo agoAre you unaware that others do have issues with advertising in Windows 11? https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11/how-to-disable-annoying-ads-on-windows-11 https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11/how-... https://windowsforum.com/threads/how-to-disable-annoying-ads-in-windows-11.346772/ https://windowsforum.com/threads/how-to-disable-annoying-ads... https://www.howtogeek.com/windows-11-wont-show-any-ads-if-you-disable-these-settings/ https://www.howtogeek.com/windows-11-wont-show-any-ads-if-yo...
- mertd 11mo agoThe start menu cluster, incessant pushing of Edge and OneDrive are the reasons I installed Linux after about a decade of not using desktop Linux outside of work. I am genuinely shocked and impressed how clean and snappy the experience is (Arch + KDE Plasma). Thanks to Valve, Windows games run just fine, too. Not going back...
- rockskon 11mo agoI don't trust Google anymore or what their business model has become over the years. I won't be using Aluminum OS.
- omnifischer 11mo agoDon't think it is targeted at you. A lot of people like you say so - but will be shoved Win11 or Apple Intelligence. Enjoy.
- rockskon 11mo agoHow? What leverage does Google have in the Desktop space? They have no captive market that they can leverage a forced installation of Aluminum OS.
- kotaKat 11mo agoRugpulling the education market that got suckered into buying all those Chromebooks and grooming the kids into Google products from kindergarten onwards.
- blinding-streak 11mo agoCurious to hear what other technical products you use that are from companies that are pure as the driven snow.
- powerclue 11mo agoDon't do this. Don't put words in others mouths. I don't see anywhere where the parent comment said they only use software from perfect companies. They only asserted one company fell below their threshold of trust.
- surajrmal 11mo agoAluminum and fuchsia are largely implementation details. The reasons these projects have value isn't necessary user facing, however they will have outcomes that enable products to be more useful with time. Maybe ai features are easier to ship, or it's less costly to maintain device support, or maybe they just save Google some money allowing for cheaper prices. Ultimately, they are closer to what's in the sausage than the sausage itself though and so most folks will not care. And that's okay.
- oofbey 11mo ago> The reasons these projects have value isn't necessary user facing The value is what then? Promotion for the tech lead that convinced a bunch of other googlers that they should contribute to this OS project?
- surajrmal 11mo agoI went on to describe positive side effects that are user visible. Users will see benefits but it's not in the form of UI necessarily. There are a lot of projects that companies take on that never reach end customers, but they help make the organization more efficient and capable which is why they are funded. I've never met someone who created a project purely to fund their own promotion. People genuinely care about trying to make a positive impact.
- Yizahi 11mo agoGoogle wants an OS with Play Market on any and all devices possible. That's the end goal.