Chrome OS on Windows: A New Option for Users
Google's Shift in Focus: Chrome and Android
During Google I/O, the company opted not to unveil new Chromebook devices. Their presentation instead centered on two core "platforms": Chrome and Android.
Regardless of your current operating system – be it Windows, Linux, or macOS – Google intends to extend the Chrome OS experience to a wider range of devices.
The Evolution of Chrome
Google has long envisioned Chrome functioning not merely as a browser, but as a complete operating system. They are now poised to advance this concept.
The strategy involves leveraging Chrome to deliver applications that operate beyond the confines of the browser, directly on desktop and laptop computers.
Transforming Existing Laptops
Google’s objective is a gradual transition, aiming to emulate the functionality of a Chromebook on existing Windows laptops.
This approach signifies a shift in strategy, focusing on software-based expansion rather than solely relying on dedicated hardware like Chromebooks.
Essentially, Google is working to bring the simplicity and security of Chrome OS to a broader user base.
The Evolution of Chrome Apps
Users familiar with the Chrome Web Store will observe that many existing "apps" function primarily as website shortcuts. For instance, accessing Netflix or Evernote through their respective Chrome apps simply directs users to their online platforms.
Installation of these apps typically results in a dedicated icon appearing on the new tab page, but offers limited functionality beyond that.
Google is poised to redefine the concept of a Chrome "app," a shift currently available on the Chrome developer channel. The existing apps within the Chrome Web Store will be reclassified under a new "Websites" category.
Consequently, the core "Apps" section will exclusively feature packaged apps.
What are Packaged Apps?
A packaged app represents a web application contained within an offline-capable package. This package incorporates standard web technologies like HTML, JavaScript, and CSS, but excludes Adobe Flash content.
These apps are designed to operate entirely offline by default, while also offering synchronization capabilities with cloud services.
Furthermore, packaged apps can execute within their own dedicated windows, independent of the conventional browser interface.
This provides a more native-like application experience for users.
Chrome Functioning as an Operating System Layer
Upon installation of a packaged application, Chrome presents the option of enabling a "Chrome App Launcher" resembling the interface found in Chrome OS, directly on your Windows taskbar. Similar functionality is available for Mac and Linux users, though its implementation on those platforms is still undergoing development.
This launcher provides a convenient display of all your installed packaged apps, facilitating quick and easy launching. When an app is initiated, it opens in a dedicated window on your desktop, complete with its own independent taskbar icon.
Effectively, this functions as a dedicated Chrome-centric Start menu. With Microsoft’s removal of the traditional Start menu from the Windows taskbar, Chrome is positioning itself to fill that functional void.
The Chrome Web Store has the potential to develop into a comprehensive app store, offering cross-platform, offline-capable web applications that can operate across various PC operating systems.
A distinction is made between packaged apps and conventional website apps; a shortcut icon will be applied to all existing apps that simply redirect to websites.
Packaged Applications for Chrome
It is currently possible to install packaged apps on the latest stable release of Chrome, provided you possess the direct links to these applications. These apps are not yet discoverable through standard searches.
Several packaged apps are already available, including an offline text editor capable of syntax highlighting, a version of the Cut the Rope game, the Any.DO task management application, and the Google Keep note-taking tool, among others.
A key feature of these applications is their ability to operate completely offline, with synchronization occurring automatically when an internet connection is established.
They execute within their own dedicated windows and offer support for touch-based interactions.
This functionality makes them suitable for use on touch-enabled Chromebooks or Chrome running on touch-enabled Windows laptops.
The Chrome OS Experience on Windows
With a sufficient number of packaged apps installed, a Windows desktop environment can begin to closely resemble the Chrome OS interface.
These apps leverage the full spectrum of Chrome’s advanced browser capabilities, including Native Client (NaCL) for executing native code and WebGL for rendering 3D graphics.
This allows for a rich and versatile application experience.
The Future of Chromebooks: A Decade Outlook
Google continues to successfully market Chromebooks to educational institutions, enterprises, and individuals seeking streamlined devices for basic web access and casual use. However, the company isn't currently focused on directly competing with Windows and Mac laptops for the mainstream consumer market.
The "For What's Next" branding of the Chromebook Pixel hints at Google’s broader strategy. They are actively encouraging users to adopt packaged apps over traditional desktop and Modern applications.
A key incentive for developers lies in the cross-platform compatibility of these packaged apps. Utilizing web technologies, they can function across multiple operating systems. Crucially, unlike Microsoft’s Modern apps, they offer seamless integration with existing Windows desktop environments and the taskbar.
The Shift to Packaged Apps
This approach provides Chrome users with a gradual transition pathway to packaged applications. Google’s success isn’t contingent on users exclusively employing Chromebooks. If a Windows user primarily utilizes Chrome packaged apps, Google considers that a positive outcome.
As adoption of packaged apps grows on both Windows and Mac platforms, the value proposition of a Chromebook will become increasingly apparent. Once users rely solely on Chrome packaged apps, opting for the simplicity of a Chromebook becomes a logical choice.
The streamlined nature of Chromebooks makes them an ideal solution for users dedicated to packaged applications.
The Chrome Web Store will soon feature packaged apps as the primary "Apps" category upon the feature’s release to the stable Chrome channel. A dedicated "Websites" section will continue to offer access to traditional web applications.