Since it was announced that ChromeOS is moving to an Android software base, codenamed “Aluminum,” one question has been recurring among users: What will happen to the Chromebooks that have already been purchased? Although Google has confirmed that it is sticking to its promise of 10 years of support, many are interested in whether it will get a new user experience or whether it will remain on the so-called “legacy ChromeOS” version.
During the Chrome Unboxed Plus AMA conversation with Google’s Vice President in charge of ChromeOS, John Maletis, the first official clarifications about how the switch to “Aluminum” will actually work finally arrived.
It all depends on the hardware specifications
Maletis spoke openly about the technical limitations accompanying this transition. According to him, not all devices will be able to switch to the new operating system, because it depends on specific hardware specifications.
Rice Fat TechSimply put, older Chromebook models don’t have enough processing power and resources to run a new system smoothly. If it’s a cheaper Chromebook bought a few years ago, it’s very likely that it will stay on the existing ChromeOS architecture until the automatic security updates (AUE) expire.
Moving to Aluminum for newer Chromebook models
However, the situation is not black and white. Maletis pointed out that Google is working to enable the transition to the new system for a large number of newer devices. The priority remains to fulfill the promise of 10 years of support, but wherever technically feasible, users will be allowed to migrate to “Aluminum”.
This practically means that Chromebook models with more RAM memory and more modern processors, especially the newer mid-range and higher-end models, have a real chance of getting a new system. Although Google has not yet published an official list of compatible devices, the confirmation that migration is actively being worked on for existing users brings significant relief.
If the Chromebook was purchased recently, especially if it is a stronger model or the Chromebook Plus series, there is little chance that it will remain neglected. And for those who are just planning to buy, the good news is that the new Chromebook will almost certainly not become obsolete quickly with the arrival of the “Aluminum” version of ChromeOS. Google, at least according to the messages so far, wants the Chromebook ecosystem to remain usable in the long term, regardless of which software base it uses, writes Chrome Unboxed.