How to Apply Android Apps on Chromebook

Android apps are now available on Chrome OS. These apps can run on 3 Chromebook models; these Chromebook models will have various models next year. We were able to test Android apps on an Asus Chromebook Flip. Consider which type of Chromebook you are using and when you intend to test out the apps.  You need to set your Chromebook into beta or developer mode.

Here are the initial steps:

• Go to About Chrome OS in the Settings panel
• Click More info and Change channel
• Choose the least stable developer channel

You are good to go after you restart your computer. A new Play Store icon will show up in the launcher. It’s located on the bottom shelf next to all the usual web app shortcuts. You can start downloading apps once you sign in and agree to Google’s terms.

The Android app experience in a Chromebook is pretty much the same as browsing and installing apps on a mobile device. The Chrome OS notification bar shows apps that are installed and updated. Apps show up in the launcher after installing. You can display it as one of the regular web apps or pin to the shelf.

Testing Android Apps on Chromebook

Users can maximize the size of Android app icons since it appears in a phone screen-sized window. Remember that a number of apps can become unstable if you customise their size. The beta mode allows a Chromebook to switch to tablet mode. Some apps carry an extra button that will allow you to switch between Landscape and Portrait models.

We installed and tried Snapchat but Apple Music sent a notification that says ““Your device isn’t compatible with this version.” The same issue occurred for Instagram. The Spotify Android app functioned really well, it was also able to cache playlists for offline listening. Keep in mind that it’s still in beta mode. You can encounter bugs and glitches, but Google’s developers will improve the apps to work properly on a Chromebook.

The common issue that you could encounter is that apps are crashing or pausing when you load them up all at once. The good thing though is that Android apps work on a Chromebook as it would run on your smartphone. It’s like using an Android mobile device with a full-sized keyboard and screen.

Chrome OS Notifications

Notifications are very interactive and will appear alongside other Chrome OS notifications. It works well on Android devices and will enable you to reply to a message without opening the app. The Back button works like the Android smartphone back button.

There’s a new link for Android preferences that lets you try a limited version of the familiar Android Settings app. Users can change notification settings, uninstall apps, and check available storage. Android apps such as Facebook, Google Docs, and Twitter will work smoothly on a Chromebook, but mobile apps like Instagram, Snapchat, and Uber are obviously built to work on an Android mobile device.

Improvements are On The Way

Android apps are intended to run easily and effectively on Chromebooks. The beta version a is way for Google’s developers to determine bugs and glitches to be fixed. It also allows developers to listen to users about the productivity apps they need for better functionality and multi-tasking. The Android-on-Chrome experience is a good one so far; expect improvements to enhance the Chromebook functionality.