Google: Chrome OS and Android Not Merging, Will Be Brought Closer Together

Rumors saying that Google would merge Android and Chrome OS or that it would just kill Chrome OS have been in circulation for a while now. During its I/O 2016 developer conference, the company finally addressed its grand plan which said that Android and Chrome OS aren't merging, but both features are being translated.

Last year, the Wall Street Journal claimed that plans to incorporate its desktop operating system, Chrome OS into Android by 2017 which for others meant that Chrome OS is dying since Android is a real hit when the news came out. It was also reported that the merger has been in the works for two years, and Google may have something to show relating to it this year, but the final version is set for 2017.

However, according to venturebeat.com, when the merging rumor came out again late last year, they said that there was only one feature Google needed to bring from Chrome OS to Android, which happened on the first day of I/O 2016 when Google launched Android N, which will feature seamless updates.

The news came as a surprised for different reasons. First is that it was never rumored, and second because it didn't leak in advance. The web company became very straightforward about where the feature came from saying, "the upcoming Android N functionality is "inspired by how Chromebooks apply updates." In short, devices running Android N or greater will be able to install system updates in the background. The next time you restart your new Android phone or tablet, it will boot up using the updated system image."

There were also leaked news that Chrome OS was getting Android apps and games. It was also addressed by Google on the second day of I/O 2016. Even though it already wasn't a surprise, there were details that made it more interesting than when the media first got their hands on it. The whole Google Play store and the Android framework itself, not just the over 1.5 million apps and games, will be included in Chrome OS.

All in all, the most important feature in Android/Chrome OS is the app store/update system, without it you'll be left with the normal, easily replaceable mobile/computer OS. Both features are set to come out this year and there may be more key components that can possibly change. Google's vision has become much clearer. Instead of merging Android and Chrome OS, it's bringing them closer together.