If Android takes over for ChromeOS, I want widgets on my desktop Hallie Frederick | usagoldmines.com

With all of the chatter around ChromeOS eventually shifting to the Android kernel (and wilder rumors that Android will replace ChromeOS 100% on Chromebooks ultimately), there’s one large profit I’m actually hoping for on account of no matter all of this turns into: widgets. I really like house display screen widgets on my Android telephone and even Apple lastly caved and gave iPhone the flexibility to make use of widgets. It feels prefer it’s time for ChromeOS to get on board.

Think about having fast entry to data and app performance straight in your ChromeOS desktop. Assume mini-calendars, sticky notes, climate updates, information feeds, and even interactive music controls. As an alternative of being only a fairly, uncluttered background picture, the ChromeOS desktop might turn out to be a dynamic place for tons of quick-glance options.

I freely assume that the underlying bits of ChromeOS merely don’t align properly with this future, however the transfer to the Android Kernel might assist that alongside. Whereas I do count on this modification to enormously affect the best way Android apps set up and run on Chromebooks, I’m actually hopeful that this deeper integration additionally opens up the chance that my beloved Google Calendar, Climate, Information, YouTube Music and clock widgets I take advantage of continually on my telephone would possibly turn out to be a actuality on my Chromebook as properly.

Sure, I’m conscious that the ChromeOS shelf affords some fast entry performance, however it’s restricted in scope and isn’t glanceable. Widgets might take all of the enjoyable stuff within the ChromeOS tray (just like the calendar, media, and fast file entry) to an entire new degree on the desktop, giving customers a extra environment friendly method to work together with our most-used apps and data.

It looks like a pure development for ChromeOS, and with Android on the core of issues ultimately, it actually does really feel extra potential than ever earlier than. And whereas we’re at it, I feel they need to enable customers to drop information, apps, and different issues on the desktop as properly. If we consider it extra like an Android house display screen, I feel this largely unused portion of the OS is ripe for an improve. Right here’s hoping it reveals up someday.