Google to put Windows on Pixelbooks?

GOOGLE COULD TAKE aim at Microsoft’s Surface customers by enabling Windows to run on its high-end Pixelbook Chromebooks.

Earlier this year, Google made a series of changes to the Pixelbook’s firmware, with developer forum contributors revealing an AltOS mode that would allow a second operating system to boot on the device.

Eagle-eyed developer forum watchers have now spotted details of software “commits” within the Pixel development team suggesting they

ABOVE The AltOS mode could allow another OS, namely Windows, to boot

plan to make the hardware run Windows. Contributors to the XDA mobile software development community have highlighted that Pixelbook developers were working with the Windows Hardware Certification Kit and Windows Hardware Lab Kit. While warning that a Windows version was by no means a certainty, analysts said they could see good reasons for Google to push Windows onto its hardware. Currently, the Pixelbook has limited appeal because it only runs Chrome OS, which means some key business programs won’t run. “This could indicate efforts by Google to broaden the addressable market for Chrome by piggybacking on Windows,” said Geoff Blaber, vice president for research at CCS Insight.

Given that Chromebooks can now access millions of consumer-focused apps – an area of weakness for Microsoft – a dual boot machine could prove interesting for one-device laptop owners.“In reality, this would be a niche, but it could be one worth addressing as Chrome begins to benefit from Android apps,” said Blaber. “This would put Chrome in a position to target Windows’ ongoing weakness in consumer apps.”

Google has so far declined to comment on its plans.