Google Chrome Android Merger Ruled Out By Chairman Eric Schmidt

Google Chairman Eric Schmidt has claimed that there are no plans for the company to merge Chrome OS and Android, but has said that there could be more overlap between the two operating systems in the future.

The possibility that Chrome and Android could be combined has been raised a number of times over the last few years, as both are open source operating systems  developed by Google,with Android running on phones and tablets, and Chrome running on Chromebook laptops (and also potentially tablets). Speculation has intensified over the past week after both products came under the control of one chief.

Andy Rubin, the man commonly regarded as the father of Android, stepped down from his role as the head of Google’s mobile group so that he could pursue as yet unconfirmed new ventures within the company. His responsibilities have been assumed by Sundar Puchai, senior vice president of Chrome and Google Apps.

No Google Chrome Android merger

In 2009, Google co-founder Sergey Brin suggested that a future merger of the platforms was likely, however this was when the Chromebook concept was struggling to gain traction with consumers.

Chrome OS has gained momentum in recent months, with the launch of the £1,049 touchscreen Chromebook Pixel last month, while Android remains the world’s most popular smartphone operating system.

HTC has previously reportedly considered creating a Chrome OS and Android hybrid device, but a formal merger is unlikely to happen, according to Schmidt, who was speaking in India as part of a tour to promote Internet affairs.

The Google Chairman also denied that he was going to leave Google after announcing that he planned to sell is 42 percent stake in the company.

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