Google’s Chrome OS is known for being a dead-simple platform with a specific and limited focus — but all signs suggest that’s about to change.

Google appears to be on the brink of revamping Chrome OS to broaden its appeal and give it a whole new kind of life. The evolution is happening on a few different fronts, many of which we’ve seen the beginnings of in bits and pieces already. Soon, though, the big picture should start to become clear.

Shattering the cloud-centric ceiling

First, let’s set the stage for where Chrome OS is now and why it might need to expand.

In its current state, Chrome OS is designed for people who live primarily in the cloud. If you spend most of your time using the Web and Web-centric services — whether it’s reading news stories, surfing social media, or using services like Gmail and Google Docs — then Chrome OS probably makes a lot of sense for you. It might even make things easier than what you’re used to with a traditional PC setup, thanks to the lack of hassles like time-consuming software upgrades, complicated drivers, virus worries, and the inevitable slowdown that always seems to happen after you’ve owned a PC for a few months.

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