It seems that Google’s next major consumer initiative is to convert Android into a desktop operating system. To say it clearly, I think this effort fails if whatever they are doing is making one-to-one window, Mac or chromos competitor. The path of success I am looking for Google is developing a next generation OS that takes advantage of AI and Gemini to make a completely new user experience possible that is voice and agent-first.
Officially, Chromeos will adopt more android under-hood. Last year’s announcement did not indicate a clear transition – YouTube music, to meet Google Duo, or in the play music vein for various chat app migrates of the company – but I see that reading between lines. Looking at other recent developments in Android “Desktop Mode”, I would say that the general direction is to expand Android to the desktop operating system.
Even if the desktop Android gets all users interfaces and experience the basics correctly, I do not think it is enough to compete with Windows and McOS. If Google corrects everything, they end up with chromeos, but are based on Android.
Some positivity can be a native touch and 2 -in -1 experience, as well as to make cellular connectivity a standard feature. A desktop-class chrome browser seems unavoidable and the larger screen can address the shortcomings of the Android app.
All this is fine, and I think engineering is a strong case to consolidate resources in a platform.
However, it does not defeat two large desktop operating systems. I know this because Chromebooks are a distant third even after all these years.
Google may be happy with the result, but I think what they really want, which has to repeat the success of Android on the smartphone to take Microsoft and Apple in the laptop.
To do this, I think Google needs to offer the next generation operating system.
Desktop Android needs something unique and I think it can be a Gemini smart accessory that changes how we interact with the computer. Fortunately, Google has created many of those next-gen interactions in developing Android XR on the headset.
I am thinking of a voice-first user experience that you use to browse websites and control the application as well as find tasks such as finding and writing/editing texts.
Ideally, there is no hotword, with a computer recognizing when you are speaking it and ignoring yourself and others pronunciation. This can do this version of Mithun Live operated by Project Estra used in Android XR in December. It is known that what is without the need for preamble on your screen, the desktop gives you a mouse cursor with OS. Meanwhile, Google is working on a project marinner browser agent.
I imagine that when you are transcript into the document and when you are issuing commands to browse a website to gather or open the information, with the auxiliary understanding, imagine being a web browser and being side-by-side of a web browser and Google Docs.
Google has achieved a lot with its XR headset. On that form factor, Android and Gemini are very closely integrated.
It is understood that reach the desktop first before the phone. There is also a lot of calculation and battery available on a laptop.
In May/O 2024 in May/O 2024, Android was disappointing on new features. My main takeaway Google was saying that it “with AI in the core, began on a multi-year journey to remnor Android.” Android XR was the first real sign of that, and I hope the desktop Android is next.
