Why is Google testing its Andromeda Chrome OS/Android hybrid on Nexus 9?
- Fariha Khan
- September 26, 2016
- 447
This October, Google is to introduce its new hardware. Interestingly, compared to its hardware, it is the software that is the center of attention.
Google is testing the yet-to-be announced hybrid OS on the Nexus 9 (HTC)
“Andromeda” is Samsung’s long-rumored Android/Chrome OS hybrid OS. However, after going deeper we have discovered something more. It is also observed that this is the Android 7.0 Nougat AOSP. We have discovered the file “SurfaceCompositionTest.java” that is “a set of low-level tests to measure graphics performance.” The test directly references “Andromeda” numerous times, including that “Andromeda” devices call for higher performance score.
Notable Feature
One of the more prominent features of this particular test, according to the tool, is that it was performed on the Nexus 9 which scores “around 8.8”. It is a score that hardly surpassed Google’s lowest requirements.
Unknown things on AOSP page
“Flushed Nexus 9 device using volantis and volantis-andromeda images” is also mentioned on a page of the AOSP. However, it is simply not clear what it means!
Why would Google be testing Andromeda on the Nexus 9?
It is surprising why Nexus 9 definitely in tandem with Andromeda is mentioned so many times. Well, Google is testing the Chrome OS/Android hybrid on the tablet. According to a source, users are running initial builds of Andromeda on the Nexus 9.
We are not sure that Andromeda is designed to make Android better suited for laptops or other devices such as 2-in-1s or tablets. In addition, it appears that the hidden free form window management feature that showed in Nougat could aptly see it’s unveiling with Andromeda.
