Google has announced that they will be including a Chrome app launcher with future versions of their Chrome browser. The new Chrome app launcher will provide the same experience as the app launcher on Chromebooks, but for other platforms.
Availability and Installation
The new Chrome App Launcher is already available on Windows, says Google, and will be arriving on Mac OS X and Linux very soon. This move is part of Google’s broader strategy to unify the user experience across different operating systems, making it easier for users to access their favorite apps regardless of the device they are using. Google explains how to install the new Chrome App Launcher:
“You’ll need to install a Chrome packaged app, such as IRC client CIRC or Text Drive, in order to try out the Chrome app launcher. Chrome packaged apps deliver a native-like experience across multiple platforms with the security properties of a web page. Just like web apps, packaged apps are written in HTML, JavaScript, and CSS. But packaged apps launch outside the browser, work offline by default, and have access to powerful APIs not available to web apps.”
Features and Benefits
The Chrome App Launcher is designed to make it easier for users to access their favorite apps quickly and efficiently. One of the key benefits of the app launcher is its ability to provide a consistent user experience across different platforms. This means that whether you are using a Windows PC, a Mac, or a Linux machine, you will have the same seamless experience when accessing your Chrome apps.
Another significant advantage is the offline functionality. Unlike traditional web apps that require an internet connection to function, Chrome packaged apps can work offline by default. This is particularly useful for users who need to access their apps in environments where internet connectivity is unreliable or unavailable.
Moreover, Chrome packaged apps have access to powerful APIs that are not available to standard web apps. These APIs enable developers to create more robust and feature-rich applications. For example, a Chrome packaged app can interact with the file system, access hardware features like USB and Bluetooth, and even run in the background.
Examples of Chrome Packaged Apps
To give you a better idea of what Chrome packaged apps can do, let’s look at a couple of examples:
1. CIRC (Chrome IRC Client): This is a fully-featured IRC client that allows users to connect to IRC networks and chat with other users. It offers a native-like experience with features such as multiple server connections, customizable themes, and notifications.
2. Text Drive: This is a powerful text editor that works offline and supports various programming languages. It offers features like syntax highlighting, auto-completion, and version control integration, making it a valuable tool for developers.
Future Prospects
The introduction of the Chrome App Launcher is a significant step towards making Chrome a more versatile and powerful platform. As more developers create Chrome packaged apps, users can expect to see a growing number of high-quality applications that offer a native-like experience across different platforms.
For more information on the new Chrome App Launcher, jump over to the Chromium Blog for details.
Source: Google
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