Google is preparing a new online “App Mall” to help you find your next favorite app or game on your Chromebook.
One of the interesting benefits of a Chromebook or ChromeOS tablet is that it gives you access to three different types of apps. Of course, there are also web apps that run in the built-in Chrome browser, many of which can be installed as PWAs. Then visit the Google Play Store, which brings you the world of Android apps. High-end Chromebooks allow you to install games through Steam. Finally, you can also install a Linux development environment that provides desktop-class programs such as Android Studio.
The unfortunate downside is that in most cases you won’t be able to find all these apps in one place. Sometimes you might find an Android app from the web or a web app from the Play Store, but most of the time you don’t. On the other hand, you won’t find many Linux apps to use unless you’re very familiar with the system.
To solve at least some of these problems, Google appears to be preparing to launch a dedicated “mall” to help Chromebook owners discover new apps. During early testing, the ChromeOS “App Mall” is locked behind the flags in chrome://flags.
ChromeOS app mall
Allows apps to detect and install other apps.
#cross mall
But thankfully, you don’t need to change any flags to access the new App Mall. Internally, the “app” is just a shortcut to a soon-to-be-published website (discover.apps.chrome). Currently, the website simply returns a 404 error.
We don’t yet know what kind of software you’ll find in ChromeOS’ new App Mall, but we’re sure it’ll include at least Android and web apps and games. You can already find some of those kinds of apps through the built-in “Explore” app, as shown below. We hope this new web-based experience provides a more robust way to uncover more of what your Chromebook can do.
What would you like to be able to find in App Mall for Chromebooks? Android and web apps? Linux programs and Steam games? All of the above? Let us know in the comments section below.
FTC: We use automated affiliate links that generate income. more.
