Exclusive Sneak Peek: Google Reveals Android for PC in Action

First Glimpse of Google’s Aluminium OS

After months of anticipation, we finally have a sneak peek at Android running on a PC, courtesy of Google’s upcoming ChromeOS / Android hybrid platform, known as Aluminium OS. The leak, thanks to Google, has given us a glimpse into what to expect.

9to5Google uncovered a bug report on Chrome Incognito tabs on the Google Issue Tracker, which included screen recordings from a device running Aluminium OS. Although Google has now restricted access to the report, 9to5Google managed to obtain the videos first. The bug tracker also mentioned an ALOS software version, confirming it as the abbreviation for Aluminium OS, and revealed that the recordings were from an HP Elite Dragonfly 13.5 Chromebook.

The videos, shared on YouTube by Android Authority, further solidified the presence of Aluminium OS, labeling the OS as Android 16 with a build number matching the ALOS mentioned in the bug report. It appears that an existing Chromebook is being used to test the upcoming ALOS experience, as hinted by Android head Sameer Samat’s previous comments about what to expect this year.

The interface of Aluminium OS is a blend of ChromeOS and Android elements. The taskbar resembles ChromeOS but positions the start button in the center like Android. The top status bar is more reminiscent of Android, featuring familiar icons for battery, Wi-Fi connection, and more. The video offers a glimpse of the Play Store and split-screen multitasking, but a comprehensive overview of the new OS may require an official release from Google.