Google is showing off a series of upcoming features for Chrome OS which will bridge the divide between Android and Chrome OS in several ways.

The first is that eventually you’ll be able to run some Android apps on Chromebooks. The second is that if you have an Android phone and a Chromebook, you’ll be able to use the two together in new ways.

chrome evernote

For example, if you Chromebook detects that your phone is nearby, you won’t have to type in a password to unlock your notebook. You can be logged in automatically so all you have to do is lift the lid.

Google is also adding support for new Google Now cards to Chrome OS so that if you receive an incoming text message or call on your phone, a notification can appear on your Chromebook. If your phone battery is running low, your Chromebook can tell you.

Interestingly, Apple showed off similar features for iOS 8 and OS X 10.10 Yosemite recently — expect Apple users will be able to go further and actually pick up a phone call on your Mac.

 

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5 replies on “Google Chromebooks to support some Android apps, notifications”

  1. You can already answer calls in your chromebook. Features been built into Gmail for two years now.

  2. Palm foleo, Celio Redfly. Clambook. All wanted to merge with a smartphone, but failed. The clambook is still around and am not sure of its success.

    The Chrome book seems better for this type of usage because it can function as a stand-alone laptop as well. I like were Chrome books are going. If it could mirror your Android phone’s display, that would be awesome.

    I wonder what the requirements are for “some android apps” to run. Why not, most/all?

    I’m feeling sad that Ubuntu (phones and touch) may not be able to compete with the convergence taking place with Chrome/Android.

    1. It probably won’t be able to run apps that require sensors only present on the phones.

  3. I’d been thinking of getting the hp Slatebook 14 but depending on how much Android apps are integrated into Chrome, in particular paid apps, I could maybe be convinced of the usefulness of a chromebook for me.

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