Key Points:
- Chromebooks utilize Android’s Bluetooth stack for faster connection speeds and improved future-proofing.
- This integration is part of a larger effort to leverage Android’s technology within ChromeOS.
- The ultimate goal is to enhance user experience by streamlining connectivity and accelerating AI features.
Gone are the days of wrestling with sluggish Bluetooth connections on your Chromebook. Google recently announced that ChromeOS has adopted Android’s Bluetooth stack, codenamed Fluoride. This change, implemented in version 122, promises a smoother and swifter user experience when connecting Bluetooth devices like headphones and keyboards.
Project Floss, the initiative behind this integration, has been in development since 2021. Previously, ChromeOS relied on BlueZ, a Bluetooth stack known for having limited compatibility. Google acknowledges that BlueZ caused “friction” when introducing new features. Fluoride eliminates this issue, paving the way for a more agile development process.
Early signs indicate that Fluoride lives up to its promise. Users can expect faster Bluetooth connection times and quicker reconnections. Additionally, Fluoride boasts support for advanced audio codecs, ensuring high-fidelity audio streaming for the foreseeable future. This future-proof approach is further bolstered by the fact that Fluoride’s codebase resides entirely within Google’s domain, simplifying maintenance and ensuring consistency across devices.
This Bluetooth integration serves as a microcosm of a larger trend: Google’s increasing reliance on Android technology within ChromeOS. A recent Chromium blog post revealed plans to incorporate Android frameworks and the Android Linux kernel into ChromeOS. This strategic shift is primarily driven by Google’s desire to deliver more robust AI capabilities to Chromebook users.
While the average user might not explicitly notice the underlying Android tech, the benefits of improved connectivity, particularly speed, are undeniable. This move signifies Google’s commitment to providing a seamless and future-proofed Chromebook experience.
