Tag: Fuchsia OS

  • Google Fuchsia OS May Run Virtually on Android Devices: Report

    Google Fuchsia OS May Run Virtually on Android Devices: Report

    In a surprising development, Google’s mysterious Fuchsia operating system could soon be seen on Android devices, not as a complete replacement, but as a virtualized entity.

    Fuchsia OS was first unveiled in 2016 and debuted on its first commercial device in 2021 with the launch of the first-generation Nest Hub. However, its presence has not extended beyond the Nest Hub so far. A recent report, however, indicates that Fuchsia OS might operate as a virtual machine on Android devices.

    A New Foundation

    What sets Fuchsia apart is its unique foundation compared to Android and ChromeOS. Instead of relying on a modified Linux kernel, it is built from scratch using a microkernel named Zircon. This microkernel architecture promises increased efficiency, flexibility, and security by reducing the amount of trusted code in the system.

    The latest development involves a project called “microfuchsia.” This project reportedly aims to enable Fuchsia to run on existing devices through virtualization.

    How Virtualization Works

    Virtualization creates a software-based replica of a physical device, allowing it to function in a separate computing environment. This separation ensures that programs running on the main OS and within the virtual machine do not interfere with one another.

    Reports from the Fuchsia Gerrit code repository indicate that microfuchsia will utilize virtualization software such as QEMU and pKVM. The latter, developed by Google, focuses on layered security for isolated workload execution. Intriguingly, Google also developed a lightweight Android variant called “microdroid” for this purpose.

    Unclear Future

    The potential role of microfuchsia on Android devices is still uncertain. Nonetheless, its similarities to microdroid suggest it might be used for tasks that require enhanced security.

    The rationale behind a separate Fuchsia solution, given the existence of microdroid, remains undisclosed. It is plausible that Google views Fuchsia as a more secure and efficient option for virtualized workloads within the Android ecosystem.

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  • Google to Enhance Android Security with Microfuchsia Virtual Machine

    Google to Enhance Android Security with Microfuchsia Virtual Machine

    Fuchsia is an open-source operating system developed by Google with a focus on simplicity and security. Previously, Google made versions of Fuchsia available for Pixel-branded Chromebooks and Google Nest Hub smart home devices.

    Fuchsia's Foundation

    Fuchsia is built on a custom kernel named Zircon, which has its roots in the Little Kernel operating system. Google describes Zircon as a combination of a kernel and a limited set of userspace services, drivers, and libraries essential for core system functions, such as booting.

    The latest development reveals that Google is working on "Microfuchsia," a streamlined version of the Fuchsia operating system designed to operate on Android devices within a virtual machine. This new version is aimed at running in virtual machines on devices like the Nest Hub, marking a shift in how Fuchsia is being deployed.

    Microfuchsia's Potential

    Microfuchsia could serve to run specific functions in a secure, isolated environment. Although there have been rumors about Fuchsia OS eventually replacing Android, this seems improbable at the moment. Instead, Google is experimenting with the OS in various innovative ways, including developing a trimmed-down version to operate within Android devices via a virtual machine.

    Google has ambitious goals for Fuchsia OS, aiming to deploy it across smartphones, PCs, and smart home devices. The first-generation Nest Hub featured Fuchsia in 2021, followed by its inclusion in the second-generation Nest Hub. While the current focus isn't on replacing Android, the integration of Fuchsia could bring significant changes to some core functionalities of Android. Google notes that Microfuchsia is intended for use in virtualization solutions. However, it will likely be incorporated into Android only if it enhances the user experience.

    Advancements in Virtualization

    With the introduction of pKVM, a hypervisor for the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF) in Android 13 on select devices, Google aims to run certain types of workloads securely in an isolated environment. The development of Fuchsia could potentially bolster the security of specific functions on Android devices.

    (Via)

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