Fuchsia OS Gradually Replacing Cast OS on Google’s Smart Displays
Google’s Fuchsia OS, a non-Linux-based alternative to Android, is silently expanding its presence on the company’s smart displays. The operating system was first launched in 2021 on the first-generation Nest Hub, followed by the Nest Hub Max in 2023. Google has recently confirmed that the second-generation Nest Hub will be the third device to receive the Fuchsia OS update. This marks a significant step in Google’s effort to make Fuchsia the universal OS for its smart displays.
Fuchsia OS Update Same Core Experience, Enhanced Security
The Fuchsia OS update aims to maintain the same core experience as the previous Linux-based Cast OS, resulting in a virtually identical interface for users. However, Fuchsia brings improvements such as faster casting and enhanced security, making Google’s smart displays better protected against cyberattacks.
Checking for Fuchsia OS Update on Nest Hub (2nd Gen)
To determine whether the Fuchsia OS update is live on a second-generation Nest Hub, users can check the “Fuchsia version” in the Google Home app’s Nest Hub section or the display’s Settings lists. The update’s rollout has been gradual, with no specific timeline for when all Nest Hub smart displays on the stable channel will be updated to Fuchsia.
Future Prospects for Fuchsia OS
Google’s larger plan for Fuchsia OS includes making it a universal operating system for a variety of devices, not just smart home gadgets. The company is actively working on enabling Linux and Android apps to run natively on Fuchsia, broadening its potential reach. With the latest Fuchsia update for the second-generation Nest Hub, all three of Google’s current smart displays will have transitioned from Cast OS to Fuchsia, which is also expected to replace Cast OS on Nest speakers in the near future.
