Buzz
To understand Fuchsia, Google's new operating system, Mytour brings you insights into what Fuchsia is, how it differs, and its impact on developers. Explore more in this Mytour article.
What is Fuchsia Operating System?
Fuchsia first appeared on the global tech radar in mid-2016 when the open-source project, yet to be officially announced by Google, surfaced on GitHub. Originally touted to be a 'universal' operating system, Fuchsia was designed to run on everything from low-power smartwatches to high-end devices like phones, tablets, laptops, automotive electronics, connected devices, smart home hardware, and more.
Universal operating systems are considered a lucrative target for software manufacturers. Microsoft attempted to make Windows 10 a universal OS.
Before the debut of iOS, Apple claimed the original iPhone ran on the 'real' OS X. More recently, Linux, with its kernel used in Android, Chrome OS, Set-Top Boxes, routers, modems, smart devices, and various software, achieved a level of universality.
Fundamentally, the common goal of Microsoft, Apple, and Google is to create a singular operating system capable of running similar applications and developing across the broadest possible hardware spectrum.
This will create favorable conditions for connectivity, attracting software developers aiming to build more effective applications across various platforms. Simultaneously, it plays a crucial role in leading users into a single, easily controlled software ecosystem.
Contrary to Google's official stance, they are indeed developing Fuchsia to become a 'universal' operating system. However, given its integrated compatibility with Android and iOS, Google's intentions are not hard to discern.
Is Fuchsia related to Android and Chrome?
While both Android and Chrome OS leverage a highly evolved version of the Linux kernel, Fuchsia is constructed on an entirely new microkernel platform named Zircon.
Between a conventional operating system kernel and a microkernel lies complexity, but most importantly, microkernels are more flexible and efficient.
The concept of microkernels was once neglected as ideas like memory and storage spaces emerged in the 90s. Adapting to the trend of smaller, more efficient, and mobile hardware, Google embraces this trend by employing a microkernel architecture for its next-generation operating system.
Microkernels don't compromise the systems they create. Google has gained more control over the development of Zircon and Fuchsia, both before and after the operating system hits the market.
Google has learned valuable lessons from its Android operating system. While Chrome OS is technically open-source, it's tightly locked by licensing terms. The open-source Fuchsia operating system is sure to remain under Google's control, even when running on hardware from partner companies.
How does Fuchsia Operating System impact developers?
Fuchsia isn't an operating system that developers can use to create full-fledged applications. Fuchsia apps can be written in various programming languages using the new software development kit, Flutter.
Flutter enables writing cross-compatible apps for Fuchsia, Android, and iOS. This means apps can be developed on all three platforms, and modern apps seamlessly support all three platforms.
Flutter also adheres to Google's current visual design standard, Material Design, compliant across Android, Chrome OS, and web properties (to varying degrees). Material Design includes advanced UI components based on the Vulkan rendering tool, featuring shadow effects and super-lightweight 120 FPS animations. It also supports impressive gaming capabilities and multimedia apps, albeit performance depends on the hardware.
If you're wondering why Chrome OS isn't on the compatibility list, it's because most Chrome apps are web-based. They don't download code and run on most other operating systems.
Even though Chrome OS can run Android apps, Google is expanding this capability in mainstream Chrome releases. Hopefully, Google will soon revamp the Play Store infrastructure to add more Android platform apps for Chrome OS computers.
At this point, if Google can release Fuchsia and replace or transition both platforms, it will be a seamless adjustment for developers to create apps.
When will Fuchsia be unveiled?
The answer to when Google will unveil Fuchsia remains uncertain. Fuchsia is currently in the beta development phase, and Google hasn't disclosed an official roadmap or addressed project-related queries. At this point, all we know is that Fuchsia is an open-source operating system.
At some point, Google may evaluate whether Fuchsia aligns with current market conditions and could potentially discontinue the project. However, for now, Fuchsia stands as a promising successor to Android and possibly Chrome.
Can you test the new Fuchsia operating system now?
The 'skeleton' of Fuchsia is available in open-source repositories but currently runs on specific hardware only. As of writing, Fuchsia is operational on Intel NUC mini computers, Acer Switch Alpha 12 tablets, HiKey960, and Khadas VIM.
Fuchsia also runs on unofficially supported hardware, such as the Pixelbook. Ron Amadeo from Ars Technica was among the first to discover Fuchsia's code and run it on a user-grade desktop to test Google's new operating system.
Additionally, bits and pieces of Fuchsia code can run on Android phones running older build versions. However, due to its beta development stage, errors are inevitable. Users can only observe working interface versions, and even signing into a Google account may result in errors or non-functionality.
So here, readers, have just explored Fuchsia, Google's new operating system, alongside Mytour. In summary, Fuchsia is Google's open-source operating system designed to be 'universal,' capable of running on any device. To experience this new OS, we'll have to wait until Google officially unveils Fuchsia.
On Android today, the latest operating system is Android P, integrated with numerous new features for an enhanced user experience. For a deeper understanding of this operating system, follow Android P here.
