Google buys Neverware to turn old PCs and Macs into Chromebooks
Google acquired Neverware, which has been developing a Chromium OS-based CloudReady OS distribution for several years. It can be installed on older laptops or Macs, essentially turning their Chromebooks into an undemanding operating system.
Neverware’s CloudReady OS can run even on very old devices. Minimum hardware requirements include 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, full administrator access to the computer, and a USB port. To put it on a computer, you first need to check if the device is contained in the database of supported platforms, and then test access to Internet services since CloudReady OS is demanding on the connection speed.
The developer distributes CloudReady OS in three versions: the basic one is intended for home use or in educational institutions and is completely free; an advanced version of the OS for schools and universities costs $ 20 per computer, and a build for companies costs $ 49.
Google’s acquisition of Neverware came as a surprise. Neverware quietly released a statement on its official website on Monday, where it also indicated that its employees will be part of the Chrome OS development team, and many of the solutions that appeared in CloudReady OS will be integrated into the OS from Google. In particular, it was noted that Google is going to develop its system towards simplifying installation on devices, including those with rather old and/or weak hardware.
