Differences between Chrome OS and Android

 

Google’s two most ambitious OS, Android and Chrome OS have created many ripples in the market. Both these OS boasts of exquisite features which aim to enrich experience of users using smartphones or netbooks. While, Android based smartphones are finding huge favors among buyers, Chrome OS has already created much enthusiasm among computer geeks.

Does Google really need two operating systems? Yes, both Android and Chrome OS are Linux-based operating systems. Neither, at the application level, uses the common Linux desktop application programming interfaces (API) that are used by the GNOME or KDE desktops and their applications.

Chrome OS and Android look and act in very different ways. Here are their main points of difference:

Linux desktop or Android application will not support Chrome OS

Chrome OS will be used like a desktop operating system, it’s not a traditional fat-client desktop like Windows or even a Linux desktop such as Mint. Instead, all of its “applications” will be cloud-based. Whereas, Android apps are Java based. So, it is almost next to impossible that Chrome apps will be running on Android apps. Chrome OS will be running on web based applications only.

Android is for Phones & Tablets while Chrome OS is for Netbooks

The Android interface is designed foremost for touch screen alike. Google Chrome OS looks and acts just like the Chrome Web browser. Google Chrome OS is being created for people who spend most of their time on the Web, and is being designed to power computers ranging from small netbooks to full-size desktop systems.

Simple interface on Chrome OS as compared to Android

What it means is that you will see a Chrome browser window with a drop-down menu, which will host various applications. These apps will be running in browser style tabs. You will also get notifications at the bottom of your screen about e-mails and other messages.

Since Chrome is a cloud based OS, therefore boot up time for the OS will be much less. Moreover, since the application and personal data will not be stored on the system hence, you are very much secured regarding virus threats. Undoubtedly, Chrome OS and Android have different requirements and work differently. But both will consolidate Google’s market position as one of the innovator of value rich products.

Chrome OS Constantly Updated

It is expected that the Chrome OS will get automatic updates. With Chrome OS, you will not have to wait for different versions like Android 2.3 (Gingerbread). The main components of Chrome will be stored in ROM and the software will regularly update itself.