Analysts see it as independent of Android and Chrome, set on different market With Google apparently working to develop a new operating system, speculation is centered on whether the company is looking to play a big role in running the Internet of Things (IoT). “The important thing is that this could be Google’s bid to supply the OS that runs Internet of Things-type systems,” said Dan Olds, an analyst with OrionX, a technology analyst firm. “This could be an OS to run on sensors that, for example, check on fertilizer levels in farmers’ fields or voice recognition features for fitness products. The array of possibilities in these devices is endless and they all need some sort of operating system.” Speculation about what Google is up to arose late last week and focused on whether the company is looking to either add to its OS family of Android and Chrome or to begin to replace them. According to a report from Android Police, which spotted Google’s extremely cryptic and basic description of Fuchsia on the project’s GitHub page the new operating system’s kernel, called Magenta, is designed to be used on everything from tiny embedded devices to laptops. Google declined to provide any details about the project. What’s known so far is that Fuchsia is an open source project that does not appear to be related to either Android or Chrome, despite speculation that it could be developed to replace them. Some analysts think Google is working on a new OS to get in on the ground floor of IoT, which is continuing to grow and evolve. Jeff Kagan, an independent industry analyst, said it’s likely that Fuchsia will be used for something different than Android and Chrome. “I believe they’re going to have a different operating system for the IoT,” he said. “This could be it.” However, Judith Hurwitz, an analyst with Hurwitz & Associates, sees Fuchsia as more of an experiment for Google than a real project with a specific road map and business goal. “I think that right now it is a laboratory research project,” she added. “It definitely makes sense for Google to experiment with emerging technologies…. Google does a lot of research that isn’t tied to a specific product.” Olds, though, thinks that Google sees IoT as a potentially big money maker. “This is going to be a huge market,” he said. “Right now, most of these devices are typically based on Linux operating system variants, but Google could be looking to change that…. If the OS delivers and gets a following, it could conceivably become the OS of choice for millions or even billions of devices small and large. “I think the sweet spot is in IoT.” Related content news analysis Within two years, 90% of organizations will suffer a critical tech skills shortage Along with AI skills, skills in IT ops and cloud development are severely lacking, IDC reports. By Lucas Mearian May 31, 2024 7 mins Generative AI IT Jobs IT Skills news analysis Google partners with Magic Leap on mixed reality development The Magic Leap collaboration follows Google’s partnership to develop mixed reality devices with Samsung last year. By Matthew Finnegan May 31, 2024 3 mins Augmented Reality Virtual Reality Emerging Technology how-to Microsoft OneDrive cheat sheet: Using OneDrive in Windows If you have Windows 10 or 11, you have OneDrive. With this quick guide, you can learn how to sync, back up, and share files in OneDrive with built-in Windows tools. By Howard Wen May 31, 2024 15 mins OneDrive Cloud Storage Windows analysis Apple's mutating supply chain sees winners and losers Shifting manufacturing centers are generating fresh challenges. By Jonny Evans May 31, 2024 5 mins iPhone Manufacturing Industry Apple Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe