Android apps like Vine, Evernote, others arrive on Chromebooks, Google says

By Konrad Krawczyk Published September 11, 2014

HP 11 inch Chromebook1 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

During Google I/O, Google talked about Chrome OS and how it plans to bring Android apps over to its desktop/laptop-oriented operating system at some point.

Related: HP’s Stream 14 laptop aims to compete with Chromebooks

Recommended Videos

Today, the company announced via an official blog post that it’s bringing over the first handful of Android apps over to to Chromebooks.

In a post entitled “First set of Android apps coming to a Chromebook near you,” Google revealed that it is bringing over Vine, Evernote, Sight Words, and Duolingo to Chromebooks and Chrome OS-based desktops.

Google says that this is part of its App Runtime for Chrome (Beta) project, and that in the months ahead, the firm plans to bring more apps over to Chrome OS. However, it’s unknown which apps will be making the jump between now and the end of the year.

In the interim, you’re free to tell Google yourself which apps you’d like to see on your Chrome OS rig by clicking here and submitting the form on that page.

Related: Living with Chrome OS was hell

Back in May, a Google exec talked about making Chrome OS more effective for offline use.

“As the ecosystems evolve, more and more developers are writing apps using Chrome APIs so they work offline,” said Caesar Sengupta, Google’s VP of product management for Chromebooks. “The platform has evolved and keeps improving. It is an OS that updates every six weeks. It keeps getting better.”

With this newest update, it’s clear that Google is working to make Chrome OS better all around, both for online and offline use.

Topics

Konrad Krawczyk

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Konrad covers desktops, laptops, tablets, sports tech and subjects in between for Digital Trends. Prior to joining DT, he…

Computing

How to right-click on a Chromebook

The HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook on a table.

Welcome to the world of Chromebooks! These budget-friendly laptops are a great middle-ground between mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, and more robust laptops and desktop PCs. There’s a bit of a learning curve to these Google-powered machines though, even down to how you’ll operate trackpad clicks. For instance, we’re sure you’re familiar with how to perform a right-click in Windows or macOS. You can also right-click on a Chromebook, but probably not the way you’re used to.

Computing

Chromebook vs laptop: Which are the differences?

A person using an Acer Chromebook 14.

Many people consider Chromebooks to be the sleeker, quicker, and even simpler cousin of the traditional laptop. Unlike a Mac or Windows system, a Chromebook mostly relies heavily on the internet for everyday tasks.

Since they’re also typically less expensive, you might be wondering how a Chromebook compares to a regular laptop, including the best laptops around. What is the difference between a Chromebook and a laptop? Are Chromebooks a waste of money or an affordable diamond in the rough? Let's find out.
What is a Chromebook?

Computing

How to update Chromebooks and Chrome OS

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 4 11.6, Intel Celeron N4020, 4GB RAM, 32GB SSD, Chrome OS, Platinum Titan.

If you have one of the best Chromebooks and it works properly, chances are it is properly updated. Why? When Chromebooks get internet access they update automatically on a regular basis. However, if you're facing common Chromebook problems, you'll know that making a manual check to get your Chromebook updated is useful. Also, just because technology says it will do something, it doesn't always mean it will. Here's how to update your Chromebook in case it doesn't do so automatically.