With big screens comes great expectations... maybe? π»β¨
Ahead of today's Google IO 2026 event, the overall expectations are quite high. So far, all we can do is wait a little longer and see what Googleβs got up its sleeve.
But based on previous statements and rumors, Big G might finally give us a first glimpse of its upcoming Desktop OS, the one set to replace ChromeOS (possibly as early as late 2026): AluminiumOS, also known as Android Desktop.
As we've promised a while back, we have some juicy informations for you, and now we're here to deliver:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXmFIfv_tIA, you can take a look at how the OS is going to look like... and yes, this is all running on a MacBook Pro through UTM... ironic, isn't it?
Now, letβs be honest: Googleβs ALOS is no secret. Itβs essentially plain Android, but with most of the desktop-experience quirks youβd expect, including:
β’Desktop folders
β’Virtual desktops
β’An optimized Quick Settings & notifications panel
β’Touchpad & keyboard gestures and shortcuts
β’Certain optimized apps (like the task manager)
β’A solid ecosystem between your laptop and mobile devices, including Apple ones, through "Link to iOS"
However... here comes the delusional part:
As of now, thatβs pretty much it. The current state of ALOS feels closer to a slightly pimped version of Samsung DeX than to an actual desktop-class OS, with its biggest shortcomings being the absolutely non-existent selection of mouse & keyboard optimized apps (even most of the Google apps you see are just web versions wrapped in a window!), plus the limited hardware itβll run on (cause let's be honest, Snapdragon X chips aren't nearly as good as Apple's M series)
Still, weβre keeping our fingers crossed for some good news from Google this evening
Do you think ALOS has a bright future ahead? Or is it destined for the infamous "Killed by Google" graveyard sooner rather than later?
Let us know down below!