Google denies plans to phase out Chrome OS

Last week, we heard rumours that Google was planning to kill off Chrome OS for good and instead, merge some of its best features with Android to create a better desktop/notebook experience. This would have a few benefits, one of which would be no longer having two separate development teams working on two different operating systems. However, Google is now denying these reports.

According to Google, “Chrome OS is here to stay”, though it is working on ways to “bring together the best of both operating systems”. However, from the sounds of it, both operating systems will be sticking around and be separate products.

Speaking in a blog post, Google's own Hiroshi Lockheimer said: “We have plans to release even more features for Chrome OS, such as a new media player, a visual refresh based on Material Design, improved performance, and of course, a continued focus on security. With our regular six-week software cycle and guaranteed auto-updates for five years, Chromebooks keep getting better over time.”

On top of all that, Google has ‘dozens' of new Chromebooks planned to release in 2016, so Chrome OS is sticking around for a while. However, it is important to note that the initial rumours claimed that the combined version of Chrome OS and Android wouldn't arrive until 2017, so we may hear more on that closer to the time.

KitGuru Says: It looks like Google is reaffirming its commitment to Chrome OS for the time being. However, I do think that merging Chrome OS and Android would be a good idea. Have any of you used Chrome OS? What do you think of it? 

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