Report claims Google to merge Chrome OS and Android

If rumours are to be believed, Google’s parent company, Alphabet, might be taking cues from Microsoft by merging its mobile and desktop operating systems. According to the Wall Street Journal, they got information from individuals who have knowledge on the matter. They say there will be a new version of Android that can run on PCs, aside from being able to run on tablets and phones as it does now. The new OS is reportedly slated for a 2017 release but early versions of it might show up some time next year. This would mean Chrome OS, which runs on Google Chromebook laptops, will be replaced with this new Android OS. This might be done in a move to unify the Android experience and get more people to use Chrome on desktops/laptops. Google won’t confirm anything at the moment though. If there is any truth to these, we might be hearing more about this by next year.

Source: Wall Street Journal | Via: SlashGear

Google redesigns Chrome OS launcher

If you're an early adopter of Chrome OS, this might not come as a surprise for you. But now Google has finally released the redesigned Chrome OS as a stable update for all users. It features a number of Material Design elements. They also introduce a new typeface as well as new look for the Files app and an update of the calculator app. Google has also added support for password-protected zip files. And the customary bug fixes and security revisions have also been added. 

Source: Google | Via: Engadget