News that ChromeOS will be merging with Android is music to my ears. Not because I want ChromeOS to disappear — I have many fond memories traveling across the US with my Chromebook in tow — but because I really, really want Android running on my laptop.
I recently spent time with Android 16’s beta Desktop Mode, and although it’s not feature-complete quite yet, I came away thoroughly impressed. Android’s Desktop Mode is already rich with typical PC features, including window management, multi-desktop support, accessory hot-plugging, and external storage. Despite being in beta, it feels remarkably close to a full-fledged desktop OS, save for the occasional bug.