Have you ever heard of CloudReady? What is CloudReady? Is it a good alternative to Chrome OS? However, both CloudReady and Chrome OS are very useful and are created on the same open-source platform just like Chrome OS. Though both these are made on the same machine the way they perform is slightly different from each other.
CloudReady is created by Neverware while Chrome OS is created by Google. You can easily find Chrome OS on the official Chromebook. However, you need to install CloudReady on any of your existing Mac or Windows hardware.
Now that CloudReady is becoming popular, let’s get to know What Is CloudReady? Is it a good alternative to Chrome OS? CloudReady can actually be a good alternative to Chrome OS. Moreover, it is built on top of Chrome OS but CloudReady provides us with more insights than Chrome OS. Though we cannot say that CloudReady provides us with Chrome OS, yes whatever it provides, it is the best.
So let’s discuss what CloudReady is and whether it is a good alternative to Chrome OS or not. So, if you are planning to install Chrome OS it is better you read about it once so that you know exactly what each one has to offer and then you can choose what you want.
What Is CloudReady?
Google created CloudReady, an operating system on the open-source Chrome OS codebase. Neverware is the one that created the CloudReady OS. You can use it on your old Mac or PC hardware. Moreover, it boosts performance with fewer hardware needs. In other words, CloudReady will turn your old computer into Chromebook.
Also Read: Is CloudReady The Same As Chrome OS?
How Does CloudReady Perform Compared To Chrome OS?
If you still have this question in your mind, Is it a good alternative to Chrome OS? Then let’s start comparing the two to know more about them. If your main aim is to either manage CloudReady devices with Neverware Admin Portal or via Google Admin Console then you can opt for CloudReady.
Consequently, if you want it to work at your organization within a web browser with the help of web-based services then, you can easily opt for CloudReady services.
However, if you get to know that CloudReady is an operating system that is based on Chrome OS, you would think that it will also run Android Apps. However, this is not the case. CloudReady does not support ART ( ART stands for Android Runtime Services) or framework for the open-source Chrome OS. Due to this reason, ART is not available in CloudReady. Moreover, Neverware did not go on adding Android Runtime to CloudReady because of many technical and legal reasons.
Due to this reason of CloudReady, you cannot even sideload an APK as there is nothing that will make those Android apps run. So, if you are using CloudReady and trying to use your old laptop like a non-touch tablet then that is perhaps not possible.
Why Do You Think CloudReady Exists?
You might be thinking that when we already have Chrome OS then why did Neverware try to make CloudReady?
However, if you try to take a closer look at the devices that Chrome OS runs on, you will notice that those devices are pre-built. This means that Chrome OS is available to just OEMs. Chromebooks are made by OEMs come with a pre-installed Microsoft Windows. They also get a separate ISO that you can download. But, Google does not give you an ISO that you can use on your computer to install Chrome OS.
Due to this reason, they need an operating system that is based on the Chromium OS codebase. This is something that you can easily install on your existing PC or Mac hardware. Likewise, Nverware gives us the option to install a Chrome-based operating system. Moreover, it also has options for enterprise users. It is because these users want official support for their operating system which you can get from CloudReady.
Also Read: Google Testing New “Self Share” Feature In Chrome OS!
What Are The Different Editions Of CloudReady?
CloudReady provides us with three editions, namely Education, Enterprise (this is both paid), and Home edition which is free. So if you are thinking of trying CloudReady then you can try the home edition. Though Neverware does not provide you with an ISO, however, you do get a tool with which we can create bootable USBs with the help of a USB maker.
Neverware also offers a RAW file which you can use to create bootable USB manually from any operating system with the help of Chromebook recovery utility extension from any browser that is Chrome-based. As Neverware does not offer an ISO you can try it as a virtual machine if you want to. Neverware offers a .ova file, however, this file does not work with VirtualBox and can be used with VMware.
Also Read: Good News! Google Brings Android Games To Windows PCs!
Wrapping Up:
CloudReady sounds like an interesting option for organizations that do not want to use Chromebooks. so if you want just one chromium OS-based operating system then CloudReady is the best for you. However, if you want to use it for home with low-end hardware then CloudReady is a good option for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How Does Neverware Protect Your Information?
Neverware created CloudReady to offer the user experience that you get while using Chrome OS and this is why you can access Neverware’s API keys using Google APIs and services.
Moreover, Neverware does not access or/and manage your account, change and/or read any of your data. Likewise, Neverware does not access your Google account, however, the only actions that you take will be on CloudReady account access.
Q. Does Neverware Collect Data?
If you are using enterprise or education edition or you want to send metrics on CloudReady home edition then in that case Neverware does track hardware data. It tracks the device that you run on CloudReady along with some particular metrics and usage data. For example how frequently does the device turns on, get updated, login, etc?
However, the data that Neverware collects is not related to your personal identity.
