Google acquires Cameyo to facilitate running Windows apps on ChromeOS

Google acquires Cameyo to boost ChromeOS by enabling Windows apps via virtualization.

: Google has purchased Cameyo, a firm specializing in virtualizing Windows applications for ChromeOS, enhancing its compatibility and appeal. Cameyo's technology packages apps with their dependencies into self-contained executables, allowing them to run across different OS. This move is part of Google's strategy to strengthen ChromeOS's footprint in business and education sectors.

Google has taken a significant step to enrich its ChromeOS ecosystem by acquiring Cameyo, a company known for its innovative virtual application delivery platform. Cameyo's technology enables Windows applications to run on ChromeOS devices without complex installations, effectively bridging the gap between Windows and Google's operating system. The integration of this technology into ChromeOS is expected to alleviate the challenges associated with running Windows software directly on ChromeOS, thus providing a seamless user experience which is crucial for both educational institutions and businesses that depend on a variety of software ecosystems.

Cameyo, founded by Eyal Dotan in 2018, has developed a method to virtualize and package Windows applications to run them on non-Windows environments including web browsers. This approach involves creating standalone executables that incorporate all necessary app dependencies, coupled with a virtualization engine. These executables can operate across different operating systems, which has been a cornerstone for organizations aiming to lessen their reliance on Windows or seeking flexibility to use ChromeOS alongside other operating systems.

The acquisition reflects Google's ongoing efforts to make ChromeOS more appealing in the business and educational realms, especially after receiving a tepid response from general consumers. With more organizations moving to cloud and web-based solutions, Google's partnership with Cameyo, which began last year by integrating features like local file system access and delivery of virtual Windows apps as progressive web apps, positions ChromeOS as a more versatile and attractive option. These strategic moves illustrate Google's commitment to not only enhance ChromeOS's functionality but also to expand its market adoption through added capabilities and improved compatibility with widely-used Windows applications.

ChromeOSCameyovirtualization