Google Chrome OS is an operating system designed around the Chrome web browser. Right now it’s available on Chromebook laptops and Chromebox desktop computers. But what about tablets?

We’ve seen signs that the developers behind Chrome OS were working on a tablet-friendly user interface in the past. But it looks like there are currently no Chrome OS tablets in the works.

Chrome OS tablet UI

Google VP Linus Upson told TechRader point blank that Google is “not working on a Chrome OS tablet.”

In other words, Chrome OS is for laptops and desktops. Android is for phones and tablets.

Of course, we’ve seen desktop and laptop computers that can run Android… and there’s even a Chrome browser for Google’s Android operating system. So the lines are a little fuzzy.

But Chrome OS has always been a fuzzy concept. It’s still not entirely clear why Google thinks that users would want an operating system that runs almost nothing but a web browser instead of an operating system that runs a browser and thousands of other apps — especially if the latest Chromebook and Chromebox models cost about as much as budget Windows laptop or desktop computers.

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2 replies on “Google Chrome OS: It’s not for tablets (right now)”

  1. chrome os aims for cloud future proof….intersting concept..no virus..autimatic update…lagfree..instant boot..highest security…
    but there is a missing piece if google wants it to reach common people…..entertainment…hence integrating with android on android 5.0 makes complete sense

    1.  Being in the cloud won’t stop malware attacks, it’ll just change what sort of attacks would be used. 

      While in some ways it can make people even more vulnerable, since your data will be on some server that they can attack 24/7, whether you keep your Chrome device on or not.

      Instant boot isn’t unique to Chrome…

      Security is high but it’s only the highest for consumer versions of Operating Systems.  Chrome won’t be replacing Enterprise level Operating Systems for example.

      The Native Client was created for Chrome to make it easier for developers to make more powerful apps and games for Chrome but yes, integration with Android makes sense.

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