In November last year, reports of Google working to bring ChromeOS and Android together were in full swing. A job posting spotted by a couple of tech portals further added fuel to the fire. And now, Google seems to have accidentally given away some more information. A new leak from the tech giant has revealed the first real look at Aluminium OS in action, offering early clues about how Google intends to merge Android and ChromeOS into a single, unified platform. While the company has not acknowledged the software publicly, a leaked video paints a convincing picture of Android evolving into a true desktop class operating system. Read on to know more.
SurveyAlso read: Google Aluminium OS explained: What it is and everything we know so far
Leaked video of Aluminium OS shows Android and ChromeOS in a desktop-first design
The images and short screen recordings appeared briefly in a Google Issue Tracker bug report before Google quickly removed them. However, till then, 9to5Google had already captured and shared the material. According to 9to5Google, the footage was recorded on an HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook, suggesting Google is already testing Aluminium OS on existing Chromebook hardware rather than specialised prototypes. That detail alone hints at how serious the company is about making this transition as seamless as possible.
In addition to this, the leak also not only confirms the existence of Aluminium OS, but also that it is already functional enough to be used in real world testing scenarios. The recordings reference Android 16 builds internally labelled ALOS, a name previously linked to Google’s long term ChromeOS replacement strategy.
At first glance, Aluminium OS looks like exactly what many expected. A hybrid that borrows the flexibility of Android while retaining the productivity focused layout of ChromeOS. The interface shown in the leaked video features a desktop style taskbar, split screen multitasking, and windowed apps running side by side. Chrome appears to behave more like a native desktop application rather than a browser constrained by mobile style limitations.
One subtle but important change is the positioning of the start button, which now sits at the centre of the taskbar rather than the corner. A taller status bar stretches across the top of the screen, displaying connectivity, battery information, time down to the second, and indicators for background processes such as screen recording. These may sound like small tweaks, but together they signal a clear shift towards a more PC like experience.
The Google Play Store is also visible in the clip, reinforcing that Android apps will remain a core part of the experience. More importantly, Gemini appears to be deeply integrated, positioned not as an add on but as a central system level feature.
About Aluminium OS
According to earlier reports, Aluminium OS is Google’s codename for its new Android-based desktop operating system. A Google job listing, spotted by Android Authority and later referenced by Mashable and The Verge last year, mentioned a senior product manager role focused on a new Aluminium platform built for laptops, detachables, tablets, and PC-like devices. It also used the acronym ALOS, which likely stands for Aluminium Operating System.
The naming choice itself is a fun detail. The Verge pointed out at the time that the British spelling seems to be a nod to Chromium, the open source base of ChromeOS, while also highlighting Android as the foundation.
WeAreTenet added more context, explaining that Aluminium OS is designed to make big screen devices feel more intuitive, more connected, and more scalable than what ChromeOS can do today. It is expected to offer deeper system wide AI features powered by Gemini, smarter multitasking, and better integration across phones, tablets, and laptops.
What devices will run Aluminium OS?
Beyond laptops, Aluminium OS is reportedly being designed to run across multiple device categories, including tablets and even smartwatches. That opens the door to a genuinely unified Google platform, where apps, updates, and AI features behave consistently regardless of screen size or form factor.
For now, Google remains silent on timelines. There is no confirmed launch window, nor any indication of when ChromeOS might begin its gradual phase out. What is clear, however, is that Aluminium OS is no longer just a concept. It is running, being tested, and quietly evolving behind the scenes.
With Google I O expected later this year and Android leadership already teasing major updates ahead, it may not be long before Aluminium OS steps out of the shadows. If this leak is any indication, Google’s vision for Android on PCs is far more ambitious than a simple ChromeOS refresh.
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Divyanshi Sharma
Divyanshi Sharma is a media and communications professional with over 8 years of experience in the industry. With a strong background in tech journalism, she has covered everything from the latest gadgets to gaming trends and brings a sharp editorial lens to every story. She holds a master’s diploma in mass communication and a bachelor’s degree in English literature. Her love for writing and gaming began early—often skipping classes to try out the latest titles—which naturally evolved into a career at the intersection of technology and storytelling. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her exploring virtual worlds on her console or PC, or testing out a new laptop she managed to get her hands on. View Full Profile
