Recent leaks from the Chromium Issue Tracker have given the world its first real look at "Aluminium OS" (ALOS) Google’s ambitious unified operating system designed to merge the best of ChromeOS and Android. This project signals Google’s most serious attempt yet to challenge the desktop dominance of Windows and macOS with an "AI-first" philosophy.
A Hybrid Interface: ChromeOS Meets macOS
Leaked screen recordings reveal a sophisticated UI that blends familiarity with modern aesthetics:
The "macOS-Style" Status Bar: In a shift from the traditional Windows-like tray, Google has moved the date, time, and system settings to a taller top status bar, bearing a striking resemblance to the macOS menu bar.
Centered Taskbar: Similar to Windows 11, the bottom taskbar features centered app icons, creating a clean and balanced look for wide desktop monitors.
The Dedicated Gemini Button: Strategically placed on the taskbar, a new Gemini icon provides instant access to Google’s AI assistant, cementing the "AI at the Core" promise.
Desktop-Class Chrome: Unlike the mobile version, Aluminium OS features a full version of Chrome that supports native extensions, a critical feature for "power users" migrating from traditional PCs.
AI at the Core: Gemini and Gemma Integration
Aluminium OS isn't just a UI skin; it’s built to be an AI powerhouse.
Local Processing with Gemma: Google is leveraging its Gemma (open-weight) models to run directly on the machine. By utilizing chips with dedicated NPUs (Neural Processing Units), users can experience fast, private, and offline AI capabilities.
System-Wide Intelligence: Beyond a simple chatbot, Gemini is reportedly integrated into the OS's file management, multitasking, and search functions, transforming the PC into a truly proactive assistant.
The Strategic Merger: Farewell ChromeOS?
Internal reports and job listings confirm that Google is planning a multi-year transition. Aluminium OS is expected to replace ChromeOS across all tiers from budget-friendly "AL Entry" education devices to "AL Premium" high-end laptops designed to compete with the MacBook Pro.
- Running on Android 16 means Aluminium OS will have access to over 2 million apps on the Play Store from day one, addressing a weakness ChromeOS has long faced (its reliance on web apps).
- Leaked benchmarks in 2026 show that Aluminium OS, a lean Linux-based operating system, can extract up to 30% more hardware performance than Windows 11 in some applications, due to the absence of the accumulated "bloatware" system files found in Windows.
- There are strong rumors that Google will launch a flagship Pixel Laptop with Aluminium OS in late 2026 to showcase the operating system's full potential, similar to what the Pixel Phone did with Android.
- For enterprise and school customers, Google has prepared a "Business Continuity" plan to ensure that existing ChromeOS applications will remain seamlessly operational through containerization while awaiting the transition.
Google Disables YouTube Background Play Workarounds on Mobile Browsers.
Source: 9to5google
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