Andromeda OS: Google to bet on mix of Chrome, Android to beat Apple

Google just turned 18 and like any adult it wants its rivals to take it seriously.

Enter Andromeda OS - another tool that the Mountain View-headquartered company is expected to unveil in the next 24 hours that it claims comprises of the best of Google's two operating systems (OSes) -- Chrome and Android.

"This is a masterstroke from Google as it tries to create its own ecosystem of devices and rope in more developers as it has sets its crosshairs on rivals like Apple and Microsoft," Sanchit Vir Gogia, Chief Analyst, Greyhound Research, told HT.

"Code once and deploy anywhere. This is what Google wants to achieve for developers by bringing together the two OSes. This will act as an incentive for developers to code for Andromeda first than iOS as they will be able to target more users," Gogia explained adding that apps and the continued ecosystem via different devices was at the heart of Apple's success.

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He also pointed out that Microsoft has been trying to do the same with Windows 10 and universal apps but is yet to successful due to the poor number of users on the platform. However, Google shouldn't have any problems, he said, adding that Android led the mobile OS ecosystem in terms of marketshare with iOS trailing behind.

However, Tarun Pathak, senior analyst from Counterpoint Research, believes that the OS will not add enough users to generate substantial revenue streams. "The laptops market is consolidated and mature and hence it will take a lot from Google to start taking over from rivals," he explained.

Google, in May last year, had launched affordable Chromebooks in India via which it wanted to capture the affordable laptops market segment. The company claims that the laptops had gained traction in the education and health sector.

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On the other hand, Satya Nadella-driven Microsoft Corporation is hoping to drive up volume of Windows 10 by offering PCs and portable workstations at ultra-shabby costs in India.

"We are currently offering tablets at ₹9,999 which is equivalent to a spending fragment cell phone," Alvaro Celis, VP, worldwide field deals OEM at Microsoft, told HT, including that the offerings were in accordance with Microsoft's objective of having Windows 10 introduced on one billion gadgets.

Celis additionally said that India was a standout amongst the most vital markets for Windows 10 and other Microsoft items, for example, the Office suite. "We are right now working with more than 20 accomplices to put Windows 10 on these minimal effort gadgets," Celis said including that the organization was making benefits by means of high volumes, low material expense and proficient supply and circulation channels.

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According to Statista, as of July 2016, Android had a marketshare of 86%. However, in terms of personal computers Microsoft dominates with a marketshare of 84%, with MacOSX at 10% and Chrome OS having almost negligible share.