Google is plotting a revolution in desktop systems. On January 28, technology media 9to5Google discovered an leaked video while tracking Chromium browser error reports, revealing the new Android desktop interface codenamed "ALOS" (Aluminum OS).
This exposure indicates that Google is accelerating the integration of Android and ChromeOS advantages to create a unified desktop platform.
Key Highlights: Not Just a "Larger Version" of Android
Differing from previous simple phone mirroring or tablet mode, Aluminum OS restructures the underlying logic for large screens:
New status bar layout: The top of the desktop displays precise time and date on the left side; the right side integrates battery, Wi-Fi, notifications, and input method status in the style of Android 16.
Gemini AI system-level integration: The prominent Gemini icon in the status bar indicates that Google's AI assistant has become a core part of the system, deeply involved in users' desktop work and daily interactions.
Support for the full Chrome extension ecosystem: The demonstration shows that the Chrome browser running on this system has an "extensions" button, meaning that the Android desktop will have productivity plug-in support consistent with the computer version.
Technical Foundation: Based on Android 16
Leaked information shows that the demo device is an HP Chromebook with an 12th generation Intel processor, and the system version number confirms it is an internal build based on Android 16.
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