Google is reportedly working on an Android-based PC. — Photography SIphotography/Getty Images/AFP Relaxnews
A new rumor points to the release of a high-end laptop running Google's Android operating system, coming in 2025. This could mean that the firm may one day offer smartphones, tablets and PCs all running the same operating system, making life easier for users.
What if Google's Pixel device range were to include a new PC? Google is said to be working on a new high-end computer, codenamed "Snowy” and running the Android operating system, according to Android Headlines. The website draws its information from an internal email, and suggests that a dedicated team is already working on this project.
While it could be expected to use ChromeOS, the PC will probably be powered by Android. Indeed, Google is said to be in the process of merging Android and Chrome OS, with the aim of having a whole range of products (smartphones, tablets and PCs) running on a single operating system, adapted to each type of device.
In the past, Google has released its own Chromebook PCs, a concept that has now given rise to numerous models by leading PC manufacturers (Acer, Asus, HP and Lenovo). With this new Android-based PC, Google could encourage other manufacturers to explore this path. Lenovo, for example, has already experimented with hybrid tablets that can run both Android and Windows. But this time, Google itself is leading the project, promising seamless integration with its services and applications.
On paper, the idea of an Android-powered Pixel PC looks very appealing. For users, it would undoubtedly be easier to synchronise their data and move seamlessly from one device to another. However, a number of unknowns remain, including the full technical specifications and price. Developers will also have to optimise their applications, originally designed for small touchscreens, to make them more suitable for use on larger devices. What's more, some popular Windows programs don't necessarily have an Android equivalent. – AFP Relaxnews
