Chromebooks are a superb cell possibility for thus many individuals. Not solely do they drastically simplify lots of the processes for utilizing a laptop computer, however they’re additionally safe, hardly ever endure from slowdowns, and (ought to one thing go improper) are very simple to reset again to manufacturing facility defaults.
However for some, the dearth of precise apps makes ChromeOS a questionable alternative. Thankfully, it is not solely attainable to allow Linux (and set up Linux apps) in your Chromebook, nevertheless it’s additionally attainable to allow the set up of Android apps. After you have this characteristic enabled, you possibly can set up any app from the Google Play Retailer to show your Chromebook right into a extra strong and versatile laptop computer.
Additionally: The perfect Chromebooks for college students (and why they’re nice)
With this methodology, you possibly can set up different browsers, an precise e-mail consumer, and even an workplace suite.
In fact, there is a caveat. You would possibly discover some apps do not work as anticipated. This may happen when an app is not optimized for a bigger show (like a pill). Even apps that are not optimized can nonetheless work (they only is likely to be a bit small). One other concern is that if an app relies on telephone performance, it will not work. Lastly, not each Chromebook is supported. This is a handy record of ChromeOS {hardware} that does help Android apps.
With all of that stated, I am going to present you tips on how to allow Android app help and tips on how to set up your first utility.
allow Android apps in your Chromebook
Step one is to open the Settings app.
Click on the System Tray on the bottom-right nook of your display screen after which click on the gear icon.
Accessing the Settings app by way of the ChromeOS System Tray. Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Within the ensuing window, scroll down till you see the Apps part after which click on Activate.
The Settings app shows the Apps part of ChromeOS. Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET
You’ll then want to simply accept the Phrases of Service.
The Phrases and Providers for including Android apps to ChromeOS. Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET
You’ll be able to decide out of backing up your Android apps to Google Drive, if you happen to like. Click on Extra, after which when prompted, click on Settle for.
Accepting the Phrases of Service and enabling or disabling the Google Drive backup and site utilization. Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET
The set up will start and may full pretty shortly. As soon as the set up completes, you may be taken again to the Settings window after which the Google Play Retailer window will ultimately open, the place you possibly can set up your first app.
Additionally: The perfect Chromebooks for work
Earlier than you do, the Play Retailer will set up the Android Accessibility Suite within the background. You could enable that to complete earlier than putting in something. When you discover the Google Play Retailer retains crashing, it means the Accessibility Suite is not achieved putting in. Give it time and it will end.
Putting in your first Android app on ChromeOS
The set up of Android apps on ChromeOS is dealt with in the identical approach you’d set up them in your Android telephone. Say, for example, you wish to set up the Firefox internet browser. To do this, kind Firefox within the search bar of the Google Play Retailer app.
The Google Play Retailer operating on a Chromebook. Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET
On the ensuing web page, click on Set up and permit the set up to finish.
Putting in Firefox on ChromeOS. Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET
When the set up finishes, you may discover the app out there within the ChromeOS launcher.
Additionally: Firefox for Android simply bought an essential privateness characteristic: The way it may gain advantage you
And that is all there may be to putting in Android apps on ChromeOS. When you begin putting in functions, you may discover this helps to deliver your Chromebook to the following degree of productiveness. Simply bear in mind: When you set up an app that does not perform correctly and you do not wind up utilizing it, delete it out of your Chromebook so it is not taking on treasured area.
This text was initially printed by zdnet.com. Learn the authentic article right here.
Comments are closed.