Google's new "Fuchsia" OS now available for Pixelbook and Chromebooks

Google has secretly been developing a mysterious new operating system called "Fuchsia," and now, Pixelbook owners can finally try it out.

The tech blog Chrome Unboxedreports that Google quietly released instructions for installing the new operating system, Fuchsia, on the Pixelbook laptop. The search giant has also released instructions for installing the operating system on the Acer Switch 12 and the Intel NUC.

SEE ALSO:Official, full-featured Microsoft Office apps just arrived on Chromebooks

Before you run out and download the OS, please note: Fuchsia is still a work in progress. Google engineers began committing open-source code to Fuchsia's repository in July 2016, for outside developers to examine and contribute to. Now, developers will be able to experience the OS on their own hardware, and provide more substantive feedback.

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Although Google has been building the repository since July 2016, there's been little word from the search giant about the purpose of the project, or even its intended audience.

What we do know from the code repositories is that its core kernel, "Magenta," is partially based on a kernel called "LK" that is designed for small systems such as embedded applications and internet of things devices. However, Magenta has additional non-LK layers that make it able to scale up to more sophisticated devices like phones and computers. The fact that Fuchsia could be loaded onto the Pixelbook is an extremely exciting development: It means that we could be looking at a fully-fledged desktop OS in the future.

Fuchsia would be just the latest new development for Google's flagship Chromebook. The Pixelbook's offerings have been consistently expanding: Google has recently announced versions of Snapchat, Microsoft Office, and Android apps for the device.

While it's too early to say anything definitively, this could very well be another move by Google to make its Pixelbook as flexible as possible. Chrome fans, it's time to officially be excited.

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TopicsGoogleIntelInnovations