How do I Run Android Apps on my Chromebook?
It is easy for some of us to get lost in the different brands, signature devices, and other technology related releases today because there’s a whole lot happening. Everyone from Apple, and Google to Samsung, and Huawei is busy churning out tablets, laptops, computers, processors, phones and more. Companies are striving to deliver better, more affordable and more efficient products geared to serve customers better than their predecessors.
Among the many technological releases that seem to have picked up momentum over the past few years, Google’s Chromebook is definitely up there.
What is the Chromebook?
We’d love to give you some long drawn explanation about some kind of phenomenal technology but the real answer may be a little less exciting. For those of you who might not be aware of this; the Google Chromebook is simply a laptop that runs on Google’s own Chrome OS as opposed to the standard windows OS that most other systems use.
According to one source, the Chrome OS is a kind of spinoff or extension of the basic Google Chrome browser. Google Chromebooks are usually a little smaller than standard Windows OS running laptops and can even be a little less pricey. Though Chrome Books have been around and available for a while, an article published by Android Authority, they didn’t really get off the ground in a significant way until much later.
Is the Chromebook a Popular Device?
As stated by the Verge in one of their posts, it wasn’t until the year 2016 that Google Chromebooks actually managed to make a serious dent in the market. This was the year that the Chromebook sold more units than Apple Macs! That said, current statistics still show Microsoft Windows dominating the OS market, followed by Apple’s Mac OS. The percentage of market share held by Google’s Chrome OS is still quite negligible.
Even so, solution-oriented Google according to a post published by the Medium, still has lofty hopes and aspirations for the Chromebook. Given the fact that Google is one of the world’s most successful media giants and according to sources, has a healthy chunk of available resources with which it can work. With Google’s current collaboration with Dell to oust the Microsoft Windows market, it’s really anybody’s guess as to who comes out on top.
Can You Put an App on a Google Chromebook?
Google has always been great with taking on feedback and responding with new features and points of attraction for clients and customers. One of the most outstanding features offered by Google Chromebook is the fact that you can run apps on it in a particularly hassle-free manner!
Can I Run Android Apps on My Chrome Book?
You have a lot of Chrome book users and owners asking the same question; can I run Android apps on my Chromebook? The short and welcome answer to that question is yes you can! Your Google Chromebook is equipped with the ability to download, install and operate Android apps from your Play Store. An article published by Computer World claims there’s a lot more to this feature than might meet the eye at first. The fact that the Chromebook can run Android apps means its functional possibilities are multiple, almost making it what the article states, is an entirely new device!
Apart from this, the Google Chromebook’s app compatibility means a whole new market opens up for Play Store. Clever Google! More than anything though, what this means is that Chromebook owners gain access to functions and features unlike before which is great.
Now that we’re clear on the basics, it’s time to address the question of how Android apps can be run on the Google Chromebook.
How Do I Run Android Apps on My Google Chromebook?
Are you a Google Chromebook user or someone planning to purchase one? Is the question; how do I run Android apps on my Google Chromebook, one that pertains to you? If so, the section below is just for you. We’re going to tell you how you can run Android apps on your Google Chromebook one step at a time. Here’s how it goes:
- The first thing you need to do is check your Google Chrome OS. In order to run apps, you will need Chrome OS version 53 or anything that was deployed after. Ideally, get the latest available version of Google Chrome OS and take it from there.
- Checking your OS version is simple. You need to access your status or settings area. The “About” section here will provide you with the details of your existing Chrome OS.
- Look for the “Check and Apply Updates” button in this section. If there is an available update, you will be able to download and install it simply by clicking.
- Wait for your update to complete and follow any instructions such as performing a system reboot (if needed).
- After you have updated, return to the status area. Select settings.
- In settings, you will find a section that is dedicated to Google Play Store functions.
- If Google Play Store functions are already operational, you will see as much and can proceed to download apps as per usual. If the function is turned off, follow the steps below.
- There will be an enable Chromebook option in the section described above. Switch to enable, agree to the terms & conditions as you would with any other app and continue.
- Once you have enabled Play Store functions, you should be able to access Play Store as well as download and use apps as you would on any mobile device.
- Apps you have downloaded will also appear on your main screen or launcher as they do on an Android phone.
Do All Chromebooks Offer the Same Android App Experience?
One thing that is important for all users to remember is that your exact user experience when using Android apps on your Google Chromebook will depend on the kind of Chromebook you are using. For Android apps, particularly those designed for mobile phones, touch screen Chromebooks likely provide the best user experience.
Apart from this, newer models of the Google Chromebook will likely be better equipped for the running of Android apps as opposed to those released two and three years ago. Keep these things in mind as well as the pointers and instructions above and you should be good to go.
What the Future Holds
As we said before, what the future holds is anybody’s guess. With tech giants working double-time to introduce and integrate new and useful technology, features, devices and more, we’re certain of one thing. It’s going to be exciting!
For Google Chromebook users, we feel the excitement has just begun. Given that Google is the owner and inventor of a large amount of the cutting edge tech we see in the market today, those who have already shifted to Chromebooks might just be ahead of the herd.
App integration means Chromebooks will be capable of a plethora of functions, many of which may be difficult to perform on pure laptops, tablets, and even mobile phones. We’re going to keep our readers updated as and when more exciting developments are made in the Chromebook area. For the moment, activate app functions and have a great time!
