Google is developing a new open source operating system called Fuchsia, which seems designed to work across a wide range of devices.
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The first of Google’s operating systems not to be based on the Linux kernel, Fuchsia remains somewhat of a mystery in terms of its end goals.
It could be simply an experiment on the part of Google, but even if this is the case, Fuchsia’s existence points to the company’s ambitions to create a scalable operating system that can be used on phones, desktop PCs, and Internet of Things devices.
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Could Fuchsia replace Chrome OS?
The OS itself contains features such as user modes and a capability-based security model, supports advanced graphics plus ARM and 64-bit Intel-based PCs, and is based on Google’s Dart programming language.
According to Google’s Travis Geiselbrecht
Those with enough technical knowlege who want to give the new software a try on their computer or a virtual machine can head over to the official site, though, there’s not a lot of information available at this time.
The project’s Github page doesn’t provide much more in the way of details, with the message “Pink + Purple == Fuchsia (a new Operating System)” appearing.
As AndroidPolice notes, however, the OS does seem to be using a renderer called Escher which “supports light diffusion, soft shadows, and other visual effects” – a key part of Material Design.
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That likely means the final version of Fuchsia will look familiar to anyone who’s ever used Google’s other software, from Android to Chrome OS.
It remains unclear just what Google’s aim is with Fuchsia. Some have speculated it could eventually replace Android and Chrome OS as a uniform OS for both desktop and portable devices.
It could also be that Fuchsia has been designed with Google’s growing array of Internet of Things devices in mind – as a new platform to replace Brillo.
Whatever the answer may be, we’ll no doubt be hearing a lot more about Fuchsia very soon, so stay tuned for more developments.
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What do you make of Fuchsia? Let us know in the comments.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
