5 Reasons Why Chrome OS fusing with Android is Good!

My previous posts were mostly about security concern and the rise of wearable devices. 
In this post I discuss a "minor" staff change at Google and how it relates to the Android OS and why it can be seen as sign of strategic change in Google's approach

This week saw Google reveals its future mobile ambitions by replacing long serving Andy Rubin (head of Google Mobile Android Division since 2004) by Sundar Pinchai, who is currently head of Google Chrome's department and has been responsible for the browsers' meteoric rise in the last 4 years. 
In practice this means that Mr. Pinchai will be heading both Google Chrome and Google Apps. Losely translating this means that Chrome will is preparing for the moment that Android (Mobile Devices) and Chrome (PC/Desktop) will become one. 

1. What is Google aiming for? 

At current Google is not charging any of the companies deploying Andriod in Mobile Devices. Instead Google is earning on the applications that run on Andriod via its Play Store. Google is making money with the Advertising campaigns targeting Andriod.  By merging Andriod OS and Chrome OS Google creates a potentially massive new revenue base.

2. What did the "Chromebook Pixel" do? 

The release of Google's "Chromebook Pixel" laptop, which provides a superb browsing experience and native intergration with Google's Cloud Service, demonstrated its inability too rival both the Windows and MAC Operating Systems. Basically all that you expect from a cheap laptop
As reviews showed: it was not a greatly celebrated success and that is an understatement. But not to fear, Google is here. Turning a bad experience into a usefull one!

3. What makes Android so interesting?



Android OS has a big "native" liberary of Apps. Native means; Apps you download when you start using Android. Native Apps can support certain features that web based browsers can not (intensive video-editing and high-end gaming). 
Once Google fuses Chrome OS and Android OS. Chrome will have access to the immense liberary of native apps and Android could gain access to Chrome's desktop like features that Android currently lacks (for instance "Windowing" instead of full screen apps). Hence the usefull learning experience of "Chromebook Pixel"

4. What real challenge is Google facing? 

With the release of Windows 8 Google might have a real challenge on its hands, but if one looks carefully it looks like Google-Android's fushion could actually outsmart Windows 8.
Chrome is barely 4 years old and unlike Microsoft Windows does not have millions and millions of desktop users that need to be supported with every product upgrade. Microsoft's strength is truely its weakness.
Android is in use by hundreds of millions of people and is lightweight, stable and constantly improving platform
Google's challenge is to create an Operating System that spans all devices and is truly workable, something Microsoft has been struggling with for a long time. 

5. What is Google's long term goal? 

Traditionally relying on revenue from ads, with Android Google is likely to move into the space of paid services. Whilst Gmail will most likely remain free of cost; Cloud Services (like Google Drive) are opening up a new window of opportunity, although it is still early days Google recognizes that users "don't want control but fluidity"
With the rise of Mobile Device Usage; the demand for "hands-free" data storage space and the continuous technical evolution, Google will still have to work hard as it is still early days. By strategically positioning itself it might have hit gold.  Time will tell.

Personally I think Google is on the right path, but technology and user demand are changing so fast that it has happen for Google fast, otherwise Android might have come up with its own technical and programm solutions.

But ofcourse not everybody agrees, interested? Click here

Thanks for taking to the time to read! Not sure if you agree with all the above, if not I am sure you will comment!