While ChromeOS runs best on dedicated hardware (in order to optimize the hardware for the OS including fast boot-up times and security features), Google has also released a separate branch of ChromeOS called ChromeOS Flex that’s available for non-Chromebook devices (for example, an old Macbook or PC that you may want to breathe new life into).
ChromeOS Flex is partially based on the efforts of a ChromeOS clone called Cloud Ready, which was based on ChromiumOS and whose parent company had been recently bought out by Google. ChromeOS Flex was positioned as a good option to keep older devices functional for longer, though it lacks specific features such as Android compatibility.
A Zdnet article cites this possible discontinuation as being due to Google’s efforts to further integrate Android more into ChromeOS (specifically, moving ChromeOS to the Android Linux kernel) to help build up its AI capabilities. That said, this article’s claim doesn’t make complete sense to me since the Google Play store runs on both ARM-based (mobile-chips like Mediatek) and Intel-based chips.
A post by Chrome Unboxed states the opposite. They confirmed that they reached out to the ChromeOS team, who denied ChromeOS Flex would be discontinued at this time, especially given the growth of its own presence and ecosystem in several business and educational sectors.
Even if ChromeOS Flex, were to be discontinued, Jason Perlow over at Zdnet is right in saying that there is more than one alternative to extend the life of older devices. Lightweight Linux distributions have always been the first choice in reviving old hardware (ChromeOS itself is based on the Linux kernel).
There are lightweight mainstream version Linux distributions like newbie-favorite Linux Mint (its lightweight XFCE version), the regularly-updated Fedora (its lightweight LXDE edition), the compact Puppy Linux with its light paw print, and the professionally polished Zorin OS that can accomplish the task. Zorin OS claims it can run on computers as ancient as 15 years old.
All of these Linux distributions provide the right balance between being fully featured and being light on resources. There’s also Arch btw, but that’s not the intended audience for these revivals (though the newbie-friendly Manjaro might fit the bill).
I don’t think Google might discontinue ChromeOS Flex at this point since it also gives people a safe way to try many of the features of ChromeOS before they install Flex on an old device or commit to a dedicated Chromebook. That said it’s always good to have an exit ramp with any tech ecosystem you’re entrenched in.
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