Google adds Cameyo to ChromeOS. With the acquisition, Google wants to ensure that virtual (Windows) applications run more smoothly on Chromebooks.

Google announced the acquisition of Cameyo in a blog. Cameyo has been working with Google since the beginning of this year to expand the virtualization capabilities of ChromeOS. Google describes the acquisition as the logical next step in this collaboration. By moving Cameyo to Google’s offices, the company wants to further optimize the user experience for virtual applications.

Not VDI, but VDA

Virtualization is a way to run applications on a device without having to install it locally. The application is streamed from the cloud to a browser. Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is a term that may sound familiar, but according to Google, this virtualization technique is outdated. It points to a Forrester study (commissioned by Google) that cites latency, security, and management issues with VDI to support this point.

Cameyo specializes in a different technique: Virtual Application Delivery (VAD). VAD eliminates the need for a separate virtual desktop environment, which should not only simplify the user experience but also simplify application management. In a VAD environment, web-based and legacy applications can run seamlessly side by side.

With the acquisition of Cameyo, Google is targeting these legacy applications. The virtualization options in ChromeOS now focus mainly on so-called progressive web applications. The deeper integration of Cameyo’s technology should ensure that legacy applications run smoothly and securely in ChromeOS.

Door open for Windows

Google doesn’t say it literally, but with Cameyo it is opening the doors of ChromeOS wide to Windows applications. In this way, the company also wants to make ChromeOS more attractive to the business market, which often still relies on applications designed to run on Windows.

Chromebooks have been popular with consumers and in the education market, but have had even less success in convincing business users. How much the addition of Gemini and AI features will help with that remains to be seen.