Chrome OS was a novelty when it first arrived on the scene. Most pundits claimed it was nothing more than a browser, and it took Google plenty of time to prove them wrong. At this point, Chrome OS is much more than a browser, but it still seems slightly limited, and removing those limitations can take a bit of know-how.
Google understands this and hopes to simplify life for everyone involved — including itself — by migrating to Android as the operating system for Chromebooks.
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It makes sense. After all, why develop and maintain two operating systems when one will suffice?
I would posit, however, that moving to Android is a lateral move, and although the move will appease Google, it’ll only marginally improve the Chromebook experience.
That’s one of the reasons I believe Google should consider adopting Linux for Chromebooks.
Let me explain.
1. It’s all been done
Linux on Chromebooks already works well
First off, installing Linux on a Chromebook has already been done. If you run a DuckDuckGo or Google search, you’ll find plenty of how-tos on installing Linux on your Chromebook. In some cases, there’s a physical switch you must access inside the laptop. You can also use Crouton to install Linux alongside Chrome OS. Either way, you can get Linux running on your Chromebook, and it runs quite well.
That being the case, why would Google want to throw an OS onto the hardware that would only marginally improve the experience? Since Linux on Chromebooks has already been implemented (and has proved to be very effective), why bother with Android?
2. True multitasking
Linux provides a more flexible workspace
Multitasking on mobile devices is not true multitasking. Sure, I can open an app, switch to another app, go back to the first app, and keep bouncing around, but if I want two apps open side by side, it can be a challenge on the small screen. With Android on a Chromebook, it would at least be possible to have multiple windows open on a single screen — without having to use a magnifying glass to view the content or move a document around to see the entire thing.
With Linux on a Chromebook, you get true multitasking, and that would be a real boon for Chromebook users. Yes, you can multitask on Chrome OS, but clearly, Google is ready to walk away from that platform.
3. Better apps
Linux has a wealth of applications
I don’t know about you, but if given the choice between a mobile and a desktop app, I’ll take the latter every time. Generally, I advise Android users to only install the applications they absolutely need because of security. There’s a deeper truth there, as most mobile apps aren’t really worth installing. Yes, there are some good mobile apps available, but if you doom scroll through the Google Play Store, you’ll find a good percentage of those apps that aren’t worth the time it takes to install them.
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If Google were to move to Linux, it would open users up to a wealth of applications — even Windows apps, if you’re willing to install Wine. On top of that, Google could also enable either Snap or Flatpak support for an even larger field of applications.
4. Better security
Linux could offer community-driven app vetting
Both major mobile operating systems are regularly targeted by hackers. With Android being the most-used OS on the planet, you can bet it’s ripe for picking off, and we’ve seen a number of instances where apps with malicious code have found their way into the Google Play Store.
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Should Google switch to Linux, those apps could be vetted by a vast network of developers simply because the applications are open source. On top of that, Linux has proved itself highly secure. And although attacks on Linux are rising, I’d still place my faith in the open-source OS well over that of Windows or MacOS. You’d also get the power of the Linux firewall and either SELinux or AppArmor (depending on which distribution Google chose). If Google wants to take Chromebook security seriously, it should consider a migration to Linux and not Android.
5. More flexibility
Linux provides unmatched control and customization options
Android is far more flexible than iOS but far less flexible than Linux. With Linux, there’s no end to what I can do on the desktop. Imagine if you, a Chromebook user, had that same level of flexibility. If you didn’t like how Google shipped Linux on your Chromebook, you could change it. If you don’t like the desktop environment, install a different one. Couple that with having a very powerful command-line tool, and even power users would be satisfied.
6. Better peripheral support
Linux could significantly improve compatibility
You might think this ironic, but if Google migrated to Linux instead of Android, Chromebooks would enjoy much better peripheral support. Have you ever tried printing from your Android phone? It’s possible, as long as you can find the right app to work with your printer. I’ve done it, and it works, but it’s also inconsistent. Some days it’ll print, and some days it won’t. Although that can be attributed to the finicky nature of printers, some of that blame lands squarely on the shoulders of Android. I cannot imagine how solid peripheral support would be with a Chromebook running Android.
Also: How to connect your Chromebook to a network printer
I seriously doubt that Google would even consider adopting Linux as the Chromebook OS. The company has already invested in Android for years and clearly has a vision for what the Chromebook/Android phone landscape will look like in the future. I would at least hope that when Google finally pulls off this feat, Android phone and Chromebook integration will be seamless; otherwise… what’s the point?
