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

By Konrad Krawczyk September 11, 2014

HP 11 inch Chromebook1

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

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.

Editors' Recommendations

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

This laptop completely changed my perception of Chromebooks

HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook front angled view showing display and keyboard deck.

I get the appeal of Chromebooks -- I really do. Sometimes less is more, and an operating system that is simpler can provide a less distracting experience for the right audience. But it's never been a good fit for me.

I'm pretty bought into Microsoft's Office suite, and I'm willing to pay a premium for top-notch hardware. I want my laptop to look and feel like a serious work tool without compromises -- and that's always made me think Chromebooks weren't for me. Then I tried the HP Dragonfly Elite Chromebook.
Chrome OS hardware really can be top-notch

Computing

Why I converted my Windows laptop into a Chromebook, and why you should too

Chrome OS Flex on a ASUS laptop.

You've probably not heard of ChromeOS Flex. It's Google's program for turning crusty computers into Chromebooks -- which sounds like a neat idea as a concept. But it's primarily been marketed toward businesses and classrooms.

I wanted to give it a shot, though. I have an older Windows laptop that was dying to be converted into a fresh, snappy Chromebook. As someone who's been primarily using Chromebooks for almost half a decade, I was ready to take on the challenge to see if ChromeOS Flex might be a serviceable way to bring old laptops back to life. Despite some limitations in the end product, it's a pretty intuitive way to breathe some fresh air into an otherwise unused laptop.
Chrome OS Flex is all Chrome, all the time

Deals

The best Cyber Monday Chromebook deals for 2022

Best Cyber Monday Chromebook Deals

Cyber Monday and Black Friday have both passed. If you missed out on the sale, the remaining Cyber Week deals are your final chance to save before the holidays. We're already seeing some awesome Cyber Monday deals, making this the perfect time to shop for a new Chromebook. We've done the hard work and collected the best Cyber Monday Chromebook deals below, from brands like Lenovo, Asus, and HP, but those aren't the only computer deals out there. Be sure to compare these offers against the best Cyber Monday laptop deals to make sure you get the perfect device at the perfect price. We saw similar deals sell out fast over the weekend, so if you spot something you like the look of, don't hesitate. It's the last major shopping event of the year, so if you want your new Chromebook in time for the holidays, get shopping!
Lenovo IdeaPad Chromebook 3 -- $79, was $139

Most people looking for Cyber Monday Chromebook deals expect to see options as cheap as the Lenovo IdeaPad Chromebook 3. It's powered by the Intel Celeron N4020 processor, integrated Intel UHD Graphics 600, and 4GB of RAM, which are more than enough for basic functions like typing documents and doing online research. It's also got an 11.6-inch HD display, plus a 64GB eMMC for storage that is supplemented by the Chromebook's easy access to cloud storage.