Google’s Android for PC is ‘Incredible’, Says Tech Expert

A new report from a trusted source suggests Google is developing a full version of Android specifically for personal computers. Mishaal Rahman, a well-known journalist and expert on the Android operating system, stated on a recent podcast that he has seen an early version of the project, describing the experience as “incredible.” This development points to Google preparing a direct competitor to Microsoft’s Windows for the new generation of ARM-based laptops.

Key Takeaways

• A full version of Android for PCs is reportedly in development inside Google.
• Android expert Mishaal Rahman claims to have seen a preview of the project.
• The effort appears aimed at new ARM-based laptops, such as those with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite chip.
• This is different from ChromeOS or running Android apps on Windows; it is a complete Android operating system for a desktop environment.

Google seems to be working on its own version of Android for PCs. This is not the first time the company has tried to bring its mobile OS to larger screens, but this new effort appears to be a more serious attempt. The information comes from Mishaal Rahman, who has a long history of accurate reporting on Google’s software plans. He mentioned that what he saw was the complete Android experience adapted for a PC user interface, similar to how Samsung DeX provides a desktop-like environment for Galaxy phones.

This project is likely a response to the growing market for laptops that use ARM processors instead of traditional Intel or AMD chips. Qualcomm, a major chip designer, has recently launched its Snapdragon X Elite processor, which is designed to bring high performance and long battery life to Windows laptops. Microsoft has been heavily promoting Windows on ARM to work with these new chips. Google’s project would create a direct alternative, offering a native Android OS that could perform better on this hardware than any emulated solution.

It is important to understand how this differs from Google’s other products. ChromeOS, which powers Chromebooks, is a web-focused operating system that can run Android apps in a container. This new project, however, is believed to be built directly from the Android Open-Source Project (AOSP). This means it would be Android at its core, potentially offering better app compatibility and performance. It is also different from Google Play Games for PC, which only allows users to play a limited selection of Android games on their Windows machines.

While Rahman’s comments have generated interest, the project is still in its early stages. There is no official name or release date from Google. The company has not made any public announcements. For now, it remains an internal effort, but the positive first impression from a knowledgeable source suggests Google is making real progress in bringing Android to the PC world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Is this ‘Android for PC’ the same as ChromeOS?

A. No. ChromeOS is a browser-based operating system designed for web applications, though it can run Android apps. ‘Android for PC’ is reported to be a full version of the Android OS, built for a desktop experience, making it app-first rather than web-first.

Q. Can I download and install Android for PC now?

A. No. This is currently an internal project at Google and is not available to the public. There is no information about a possible release date.

Q. Will this new operating system replace ChromeOS?

A. It is unlikely to replace ChromeOS. The two operating systems serve different purposes. ChromeOS is valued for its simplicity and security in education and enterprise, while a native Android for PC would likely target users who want a huge library of mobile apps on a laptop.

Q. How is this different from running Android apps on Windows?

A. The Windows Subsystem for Android and Google Play Games for PC allow you to run some Android apps on top of the Windows operating system. ‘Android for PC’ is a complete, standalone operating system, which should provide better performance and integration with the hardware.

Q. What kind of computers would run Android for PC?

A. The project seems to be aimed at the new wave of ARM-based laptops, particularly those using chips like the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite.