Google is expanding its Fuchsia operating system with “Microfuchsia,” a streamlined version intended to operate within Android devices via virtual machines, recent reports indicate. Initially designed for simplicity and security, Fuchsia, based on the Zircon kernel derived from Little Kernel, has been tested on Pixel Chromebooks and Google Nest Hub devices.
Zircon comprises essential kernel components and userspace services critical for system boot-up and core functionalities, according to Google. The introduction of Microfuchsia represents a strategic shift, integrating Fuchsia into Android environments through virtualization to enhance security and isolate specific functions.
While speculation about Fuchsia replacing Android remains uncertain, Google’s exploration of Microfuchsia signals its expansion into new technological realms. The company aims to deploy Fuchsia across smartphones, PCs, and smart home devices, following its integration with Nest Hub generations.
Google recently introduced pKVM, a hypervisor for the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF) in Android 13, aimed at securely isolating workloads. This initiative aligns with Google’s strategy to bolster Android’s security and potentially redefine its core functionalities using Fuchsia’s capabilities.
“Microfuchsia is poised to serve as a virtualization solution within Android, underscoring Google’s commitment to advancing platform security and enhancing the user experience,” sources familiar with the matter noted. As Google continues to innovate with Fuchsia, its impact on Android’s ecosystem remains a topic of keen interest among industry observers.
