Google Accidentally Leaks Secret Android Desktop OS User Interface
Google just might've (inadvertently) revealed the first look at its ambitious Android for PC project, bringing the long-awaited unification of ChromeOS and Android to desktop closer to reality.
The leak (as spotted by our friends at 9to5Google) originated from a bug report on the Chromium Issue Tracker, which contained two screen recordings of a laptop running an internal build of Aluminium OS, which is Android's desktop variant. Even though the issue thread has since been restricted, the footage shows an HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook running a hybrid interface that leans heavily into Android 16 aesthetics. The system is internally referred to as ALOS, a codename that enthusiasts have been tracking for months as the potential successor to Google’s long-standing laptop software.
In the video, the UI features a significantly taller status bar at the top, optimized for larger displays, and includes familiar Android indicators for Wi-Fi, battery, and notifications. The presence of a dedicated Gemini icon suggests that Google’s AI assistant will be baked directly into the desktop experience. The bottom taskbar has a centered Start/Launcher button, mirroring Windows 11, while the mouse cursor has been updated with a subtle tail effect to improve visibility on high-resolution screens.
Industry experts believe this shift is part of a broader strategy to leverage Android’s massive global market share (currently hovering around 70%) to challenge the dominance of Windows and macOS. By merging the two platforms, Google can offer a seamless hand off between mobile devices and laptops (just like ChromeOS), creating a one OS to rule them all type of ecosystem.
While the leak was likely a mistake by a developer testing a fix for Incognito mode, the polish of the recorded interface suggests the software is far beyond the conceptual stage and could effectively confirm that 2026 will be the year of the Android PC. This lines up with running reports of Google and Qualcomm partnering up to launch a new generation of Android-powered PCs later in the year.
