Most of you need Google to merge Chrome OS with Android

Earlier this week, we broke the information that Google may merge Chrome OS and Android. This info was associated to a brand new Google laptop computer within the works that may very probably have Android below the hood, not Chrome OS. Ostensibly, Google is doing this to raised compete with the iPad — backed up by the truth that, later within the week, we heard Google has additionally seemingly canceled the Pixel Pill 2. Regardless, dumping Chrome OS for Android would dramatically shift Google’s total compute technique, contemplating how a lot mindshare Chromebooks and Chrome OS have already got, particularly within the training area.

Since this might be a controversial transfer, we needed to get your opinions on it. We ran a ballot on the subject and noticed an awesome variety of responses: over 5,400 votes! This provides us an enormous pattern measurement, so we’re fairly assured about how our readers really feel about this subject.

First, try the chart under, which breaks down the way you’re cut up on the thought of Chrome OS merging with Android:

The chart exhibits that round 3/4 of you need Google to do that, a sizeable quantity contemplating how important this transfer is. Nevertheless, that group is cut up into two distinct clusters: those that need this to occur and are optimistic about it and those that need it to occur however don’t assume Google can pull it off. The previous outweighs the latter twofold.

In the meantime, about 1/4 of responders don’t need Google to do that. Let’s hear what everybody has to say.

Probably the most insightful feedback we noticed on this was from “Albin,” who identified that this might dramatically have an effect on how OEMs deal with Google’s replace of laptop computer software program:

Albin makes level right here. Chrome OS may need its flaws, however one factor it nails out of the park is updates. New variations land like clockwork month-to-month throughout hundreds of thousands of machines from dozens of producers. Android can’t even maintain a candle to Chrome OS in terms of the effectivity of this technique. Would dumping Chrome OS for Android smash this? We hope that Google has a plan, however who is aware of?

We noticed one other nice remark from the cheekily named “ImNoExpert.” Right here’s what they needed to say:

This is a superb level. Android can run on some very minimal {hardware}, however Chrome OS can do the identical and is particularly designed for the laptop computer/pc kind issue. What is going to we lose by going to Android, which is able to inevitably should be reconfigured to suit the wants of a mouse and keyboard?

This remark does make a legitimate level about how dangerous this transfer is. Does Google actually assume the rationale folks purchase iPads over Android tablets is as a result of there isn’t a keyboard connected? It’s a curious thought. And the fast success we’ve seen this yr with Home windows on Arm ought to completely give Google pause. Even when it modified nothing with its Chrome OS technique, that represents an enormous menace that shouldn’t be taken flippantly.

What do you consider these outcomes? Tell us within the feedback!