Google is preparing for a major change to Android

Google plans to merge its two operating systems Chrome and Android into one operating system that can run on any device, The Wall Street Journal's Alistair Barr reports. The change could happen as early as 2017, according to the report. Google may also show off an early version of the software in 2016.

Chrome OS is based on the Chrome browser, and is designed to run apps and everything else in the web browser with very few traditional desktop functions. Android is Google's mobile operating system for smartphones and tablets, but it has recently made its way to streaming TV boxes, smartwatches, and even infotainment systems in cars.

There has long been speculation that Google would eventually merge the two operating systems. Recently, Google has allowed some Android apps to run in Chrome, for example.

Merging the two operating systems would echo Microsoft's new approach to Windows. Windows 10, the newest version of the operating system, is designed to run on pretty much any device with a screen, from tiny smartphones to big-screen TVs with built-in computers.

The merged operating system could also solve one of Chrome's biggest problems. Many common desktop apps aren't compatible with Chromebooks, the computers that run Chrome OS. Chromebooks also have trouble handling many tasks when you're not connected to the internet. Merging Chrome with Android would allow Chromebooks to run apps natively on the machine, just like most other computers.

A Google spokesperson declined to comment.