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6h ago

Google Confirms Chrome OS-Android Merger, Tests Desktop Mode in Android 16

The move aims to streamline development, deepening AI support across phones, tablets and laptops through Android 16’s desktop windowing and Linux tools.

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© Raymond Wong / Gizmodo
Google appears to be testing Android’s desktop mode, including windowing tools and Linux terminal support.
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Overview

  • Google’s Android Ecosystem President Sameer Samat officially confirmed on July 14–15 that Chrome OS and Android will merge into a single unified platform.
  • Android 16’s beta includes a desktop mode with multi-window windowing tools and a Linux terminal to prepare the OS for larger screens.
  • Key components of the Android kernel have been integrated into Chrome OS since early 2024 to accelerate feature rollouts and AI enhancements.
  • The unified platform is designed to reduce fragmentation, enabling seamless cross-device continuity across smartphones, tablets and laptops.
  • Google has not announced a rollout schedule, but future Chromebooks and tablets are slated to ship with the new Android-based OS under Samat’s oversight.