Google is reportedly planning to merge its Chrome operating system into its Android mobile OS, which would produce new laptops and desktops that could phase out Chromebooks. Next year Google will team up with business partners to build personal computers that run on the Android platform.
Recode reported the news about Google's partnership to develop Android PCs. It was based on industry sources.
Android is already Google's go-to OS for smartphones and tablets, and is becoming more so. Its new chief executive Sundar Pichai seems to support that shift.
In the past Google has ditched some side projects if they did not meet sales figure goals, according to IndiaToday. That could be the case with Chrome.
The report states that the Chrome OS and Chrome browser will not be shelved. However, it could happen to Chromebooks.
Google recently joined its new parent company Alphabet, and is planning another big company restructuring. It would merge Chrome OS and Android into one operating system during 2017, according to The Wall Street Journal.
An International Data Corporation (IDC) survey showed that Chromebooks make up less than 3 percent of global PC sales. It is not a big money-maker like Android.
Google's mobile OS is extremely popular but often has security vulnerabilities. That is because it must press mobile carriers and handset makers to send updates to their customers.
In general Chrome OS is more secure. Thus, there is a small chance that Google will not stop making Chromebooks, although it is not clear how the Chrome-Android merger would affect issues such as the OS it would run on, or even the laptop's name.
Google's Chromebook was introduced in June 2011.