Google plans to merge Chrome OS into Android

According to a published report by WSJ, Google plans to merge ChromeOS into Android. The search giant is planning to fold its Chrome OS that is used in PCs into the Android mobile OS, making it a single operating system by 2017. However, both Chrome OS and Android will continue to exist as standalone operating systems.

 Google engineers have reportedly been working on the new operating system for last two years and have made progress recently, WSJ claims. An early version of the combined platform could be demonstrated at Google's developer conference I/O next year.

The reports further states that the new operating system will support the Google Play Store, and that the company change the Chromebook moniker to reflect the new operating system, however Google’s web browser will apparently keep the Chrome name.

In September Google unveiled a convertible laptop aimed at workplace called the Pixel C, which runs Android. It was the first device in the Pixel line of laptops and tablets to drop the Chrome OS.

Android powers more than one billion phones and other devices including tablets, watches, TVs and car infotainment systems, made by dozen of companies, making it the world's most widely used operating system. Chrome OS power PCs, mostly laptops, called Chromebooks, which account for less than 3% of PCs sold according to IDC, a research firm.

The latest move by Google is an attempt to get Android running on as many devices as possible to reach as many people as possible. Google aims to win more workplace customers for its productivity apps, which would run seamlessly across different devices.

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