Is Google working on a completely new OS?

According to the latest buzz, it seems Google is working on a new, lightweight operating system called Fuchsia. Currently, all operating systems (like Android and ChromeOS) developed by Google have used the Linux kernel, which is traditionally a desktop kernel. Operating systems based on a desktop kernel are typically unsuited to be embedded into systems for car dashboards and GPS units that require a lighter operating system. And using such intense kernels on systems that need less computing can have adverse impact on system performance.

 

This is why working to unify the operating system under a single roof is both necessary and strategic. Google seems to be using a new Magenta kernel, meant to power devices for the Internet of Things (IoT), for this purpose. many experts like SmartIO Say that, If that is indeed the case, Fuchsia would be in direct competition to some of the other lightweight embedded OSes like FreeRTOS and ThreadX. According to Android Police, it’s possible that Fuchsia replaces both Android and Chrome OS. “Replace” is a strong word, especially since Google has categorically stated that it has no intention of closing shop on either Android or Chrome OS. Android, being the leading mobile OS in the world is unlikely to be shut down any time soon. With its user-friend UI to its customizability, it is no wonder people are quick to switch from Windows Phone or BlackBerry to Android, using those cross-OS content transfer apps. That said, sources like Hot hardware who have investigated the sub-folders of the actual code, have discovered that Fuchsia is set to support both x86 and aarch64, ARM’s 64-bit architecture.

 

The question that begs whether Fuchsia is being aimed at achieving Google’s goal to unite all its operating systems as one, is yet to be answered. But PCWorld’s Nick Mediate recalls that last October, there were reports regarding Google’s plans to merge Chrome OS and Android to create a whole new OS in 2017. Going by Google’s vehement disinterest in killing Chrome OS, one can also consider the possibility of Google using Fuchsia (instead of Linux) as the foundation of its future versions of Chrome OS and Android.