Back in August 2023, we previewed our work on an experimental version of Chrome browser for ChromeOS named Lacros. The original intention was to allow Chrome browser on Chromebooks to swiftly get the latest feature and security updates without needing a full OS update.
As we refocus our efforts on achieving similar objectives with ChromeOS embracing portions of the Android stack, we have decided to end support for this experiment. We believe this will be a more effective way to help accelerate the pace of innovation on Chromebook.
↫ ChromeOS Beta Tester Community
To refresh your memory, Lacros was an attempt by Google to decouple the Chrome browser from ChromeOS itself, so that the browser could be updated indepdnently from ChromeOS as a whole. This would obviously bring quite a few benefits with it, from faster and easier updates, to the ability to keep updating the Chrome browser after device support has ended. This was always an experimental feature, so the end of this experiment really won’t be affecting many people.
The interesting part is the reference to the recent announcement that ChromeOS’ Linux kernel and various subsystems will be replaced by their Android counterparts. I’m not entirely sure what this means for the Chrome browser on ChromeOS, since it seems unlikely that they’re going to be using the Android version of Chrome on ChromeOS. It’s generally impossible to read the tea leaves when it comes to whatever Google does, so I’m not even going to try.
I’m honestly surprised that ChromeOS Flex hasn’t been put forward as a Windows 11 alternative for computers that aren’t allowed to be upgraded by Microsoft. I thought decoupling Chrome (replaced by the Lacros browser) was a step into that direction.
Not saying that would be a good alternative.
I’ll be honest, I can not decode what is Google’s current strategy wrt. operating sytems.
There is Android for mobile phones and tablet
There is ChromeOS for laptops and vanishingly small amount of mini pcs.
There is Android TV which replaced Chromecast (which was based on ChromeOS)
There is Fuchsia which replaced ChromeOS on smart devices
This was the normal world.
But today, we read articles about Fuchsia being ported to Android, and enhancements on ChromeOS (this one and also Flex) being discontinued. The push for Steam and gaming seems to be nowhere to be found. And where is the Windows emulator that was rumored?
This seems like a retreat, or is there something else that would be an alternate push?
sukru,
It’s kind of inevitable given that the MBA’s had everybody laid off to cut costs. MBA are not the innovating type. They can make trillions by selling ads without any of that crap. If by some miracle somebody else manages to make a dent in the search market or phone duopoly, then they might try competing for consumers again, but not before as it’s an unnecessary expense. I imagine those who were part of the early growth years are disappointed, but this is what happens to mature companies when they get too comfortable at making money without having to work for more 🙁
sukru,
Yes, I have first hand experience, but holding off from writing a very long rant here.
They even did layoffs are “core”:
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/google-lays-off-at-least-200-employees-from-its-core-teams-report/articleshow/109778833.cms?from=mdr
Which is quite telling.
(Core does … core technology, like compilers, build systems, cloud, and language support. Basically the most intelligent guys you could find as developers).
Wow. I guess it has been a year since the initial announcement but it seems like they only just started this and already they are moving on. Google is getting faster at abandoning things.