In a surprising turn of events, Google has inadvertently unveiled what appears to be its anticipated desktop-class version of Android, potentially named Aluminium OS. This revelation emerged from a developer video that showcased a sophisticated, windowed interface designed for a PC environment, highlighting multitasking features that have not been previously demonstrated by the tech giant.
Emerging Competition in the Desktop Arena
If this indeed marks the introduction of Google’s long-speculated “Android desktop” operating system, it could pose a significant challenge to Microsoft’s Windows 11, particularly in the low-end laptop and cloud-centric PC segments. Windows 11 has achieved a remarkable milestone, surpassing 1 billion users within just four years, although recent reports indicate that its adoption rate may be slowing.
As noted by Windows Central, access to the bug report detailing this development was limited. However, the YouTube video, which features two recordings of an HP Elite Dragonfly 13.5 Chromebook running an internal build of Aluminium OS, provides a glimpse into this new operating system. The video aligns with the Android 16 flavors, suggesting that Aluminium OS may draw heavily from existing Android software components.
The interface appears to be optimized for larger screens, as evidenced by a notably taller status bar compared to the mobile experience. Familiar Android indicators for Wi-Fi, battery, and notifications remain intact, providing a sense of continuity for users transitioning to this new platform.
- Lenovo has previously commented on Google’s forthcoming OS, indicating that Android PCs may face:
- Limited desktop features
- App compatibility challenges
- Gaming performance constraints
- Hardware compatibility issues
- A learning curve for new users
Similar to Microsoft’s integration of Copilot in Windows 11, Google might incorporate its Gemini technology into Aluminium OS to enhance its functionality. The operating system’s taskbar features a centrally located Start button reminiscent of Windows 11, while the mouse cursor has been redesigned for improved visibility on high-resolution displays.
The video also highlights the operating system’s multitasking capabilities, allowing users to run multiple Google Chrome windows in split-screen mode. Notably, this build of Google Chrome includes an Extensions button, a feature typically associated with desktop browsers, further blurring the lines between mobile and desktop experiences.
As Qualcomm prepares to launch next-generation Android PCs later this year, the impact of Google’s desktop operating system on the prevailing dominance of Windows remains to be seen. Microsoft has faced criticism from users regarding its plans to evolve Windows into a more agentic operating system, yet it has recently committed to implementing behind-the-scenes changes to Windows 11 as it tests new features.
