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GoogleRootTablets 205 days ago | | 8 Comments

Chromium OS on Android devices? Yes, please.

Chromium OS meets Android

Today hacker Hexxeh informed readers on his blog that he was working on porting Chromium OS onto an Android device (it looks like a Nexus 7!).

For those who aren’t aware of him, Hexxeh is a hacker who has previously ported Chromium OS onto other desktop devices and has some builds posted on his webpage.

So why the interest in Chromium OS on Android devices?  Chromium OS on an Android device would bring its full desktop web browsing to Android devices, potentially freeing it of the current limitations of mobile browsing.  Think of full desktop versions and operation of web pages, a full Adobe Flash experience, and potential use of a mouse and keyboard just to name a few things.

However, the installation of current versions of Chromium OS doesn’t come without some negatives.  Namely, the loss of Google Play Android apps and unknown touchscreen support to name a couple – but in exchange you get Chrome apps, and the ability to continue accessing music, movies, books etc through the web.

With a few of us at AA already in possession of the awesome Chromebook, and given there’s no word on how if ever Google may consider merging Chromium OS with Android, we’re keen to see the result of this venture.  Either way, we’ll be sure to keep you informed of any developments in the area.

Editor’s Note: This is a great potential future prospect for Android and (hopefully) the Nexus 7. There’s also the Ubuntu for Android installer through Canonical’s one-click install, but that’s a bit of a different end result. Either way, exciting times as always for the Android development community!

Written by : Adrian is a tech and Android enthusiast. When not found trolling the pages of AA or G+, he may be found at the gym, cooking (and eating organic), eating out too much, blogging, taking and editing photos, or buying more Android devices than he needs.
  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1339830992 Tyler Saddington

    Hmm, interesting :D

  • http://www.androidaustralia.com.au/ Josh Berg

    Can’t wait to see where this goes and compare with my Chromebook.

    • Luke Wiwatowski

      Out of interest, how are you using and finding the chromebook? I really think they are starting to find their stride but curious to hear how people are actually utilising them.

      • http://www.androidaustralia.com.au/ Josh Berg

        Loving the Chromebook. It’s super fast at web browsing, the built-in 3G in great and it is quite light, portable and durable. For 98% of my uses the Chromebook is the perfect fit and I’d have no reason to upgrade to anything else.

        I’d agree with you – Google’s definitely finding a niche spot for these devices and especially with the latest price-tag. We just need to get them into Aussie stores.

        • Luke Wiwatowski

          agreed with having the australian availability. A couple more questions, do you have a desktop at home that you remote login to, or is it basically your sole device (barring mobile). And the 3G did you just slap any old sim into it?

          In any case if/when they come here this could become my mum’s new laptop. Possibly my next as well.

          • http://www.androidaustralia.com.au/ Josh Berg

            I have a mini Mac that I have not actually turned on since I purchased my Chromebook. It’s been 3 months now and the Chromebook has been my major device for this entire time.

            I use an amaysim SIM for the 3G. I had to call up and get the correct APN details entered as they weren’t ready for a Chromebook – and nor did they have any idea what it was. I spent about 10 minutes convincing them that it is a laptop and not a browser.

            If you spend the vast majority of time on the Internet and love productivity/multi-tasking (multiple tabs/windows) then I’d definitely suggest this over any tablet or other laptop. With new Windows RT tablets coming in there could be a viable competitor in there, but right now I’d definitely suggest the Chromebook to anyone who has similar needs to me – 98 (if not 100)% web oriented.

            I thought I’d need a desktop for image editing but have gotten along just fine with pixlr and am using Google Drive/Springpad for online/offline word processing.

          • Luke Wiwatowski

            Thanks.

  • cameron charles

    Chromium is a complete mystery to me so im not sure how I should feel here lol, isn’t full web browsing, keyboard (possilbly mouse) all available on Android all be it not out of the box, I get it would be a more rounded is experience but I’m struggling to think of a massive benefit, not saying there isn’t one I just don’t know it, someone fill me in