Odds firming that Fuchsia OS will replace Android, Chrome OS on Google hardware

As we have previously speculated, Google looks to be readying a replacement for Android and Chrome OS, at least on its own Pixel devices, if not more broadly. A new report from Bloomberg confirms that it is seen internally by those working on the Fuchsia OS project as an operating system that could make its big time debut in the next five, although Google is yet to formally endorse a roadmap for the operating system. While it may first arrive on connected IoT-style devices, it is seen as a way of potentially correcting security holes and other issues like timely software updates that remain an issue for Android.

The Bloomberg report had this to say on the subject:

According to one of the people, engineers have said they want to embed Fuchsia on connected home devices, such as voice-controlled speakers, within three years, then move on to larger machines such as laptops. Ultimately the team aspires to swap in their system for Android, the software that powers more than three quarters of the world’s smartphones, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing internal matters. The aim is for this to happen in the next half decade, one person said.

While the Bloomberg article speculates that Fuchsia could replace Android and Chrome OS altogether, we don't think that is likely, given how invested in the operating system that Google and its partners like Samsung at this time. With Google focusing on developing its own hardware and silicon as a way of differentiating its Pixel line of products, it seems more likely that if Fuchsia does make its way into the wild as a fully fledged operating system, it seems more likely that it could come to fruition as 'Pixel OS,' to better position it to compete head-to-head with Apple.

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