Even though it has more market share, Chrome OS is closer to being Google OS to rule everything compared to Android. Its ability to run applications from different platforms, including Android, Linux, and even Windows, making it an all-in-one operating system for almost every task. Of course, not all of them have the same level of stability and support and, in a few weeks, support for running Linux applications will eventually join the Android application support when moving from beta to stable status.
Yes, Linux support on Chromebook is currently in beta and has been for almost three years. Given how much discussed and used since it was first announced, it was actually surprising to realize how long it was considered not suitable for official use. Then again, this feature is intended primarily for developers who will not have problems using beta software as long as it is not too buggy.
Linux support on Chrome OS is designed to provide developer access to known tools to create web applications and Android applications, quite a number of similar reasons why Microsoft started a Windows subsystem for Linux. Unlike WSL, however, Chrome OS supports running Linux Gui applications from the start, some thanks to the same Linux roots as they have. It opens the door to run applications that are not even directly related to application development such as suite productivity, image editing tools, and even games.
When out of beta, Linux support will be considered a stable feature that is officially supported and all implications that require. In particular, Linux containers are updated every time Chrome OS does so so users don’t need to do it manually. The next release also brings new features such as port forwarding and better USB support.
Reflecting the development of the Chrome browser itself, Chrome OS develops quickly. Ironically, Google will actually separate Chrome from Chrome OS, at least internally, so Chrome, Web browser, can be installed and updated separately from Chrome, OS. It will not only help keep the chromebook that has been out of time still safe but also opened the platform to an alternative browser.