As for Chrome OS Flex, Google’s promotion of it to business customers (It is hosted on the Chrome Enterprise portal) represents an upgraded positioning versus that of CloudReady. It represents return fire in the battle for business customers after Microsoft finally unveiled an alternative for those in Chrome OS’s education stronghold in Windows 11 SE. (While Chrome OS Flex will presumably be available to anyone via download as CloudReady has been, Windows 11 SE is available only through the education channel.) Google plays up Chrome OS’s manageability and security as an upgrade versus its operation on low-end hardware; for many consumers, CloudReady was the final lap of the PC lifecycle. Of course, as Flex progresses and offers such advantages as being on the same upgrade cycle as Chrome OS proper, having it run on more powerful business-focused PCs should provide a better user experience.
See also: Android on Windows 11: Is it worth the effort?
While these limitations and competitive approaches may slow the impact, the cumulative effect of a growing Android and Chrome OS presence on Windows can only bolster Google’s influence on the platform; for example, the large-screen features introduced in Android 12L would improve the experience of Android apps on Windows devices. While this does little to calm the nerves of those who have accused Microsoft of lowering its prioritization of Windows, it’s consistent with the message of openness that Microsoft played up in its introduction of Windows 11 and has recently revisited in the app store principles it has shared following the launch of its takeover bid for Activision Blizzard. While Microsoft may not be encouraging Google’s move to bring Android games to Windows, Google would never be able to launch such a store on, say, the iPad (a hypothetical in that there would be no case for doing so). In contrast, by the end of this year, Windows 11 users will be able to choose from at least two Android-based app stores (in addition to sideloading support) and should be able to continue using many of their apps years in the future when the current version of Windows becomes too much for their aging architectures to bear.
