Mar 03, 2017. Where can I download Google Chrome OS? Google Chrome OS is not a conventional operating system that you can download or buy on a disc and install. As a consumer, the way you will get Google Chrome OS is by buying a Chromebook that has Google Chrome OS installed by the OEM. Google Chrome OS is being developed to run on new machines that are.
On some Chromebooks, you can now download Android apps from the Chrome Web Store and the Google Play Store. Yes, that’s right, the same apps that run on phones and tablets can now run on Chromebooks without compromising their speed, simplicity or security. In this guide I will demonstrate 3 simple ways to run Android apps on Chromebook.
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Install Android apps from the Chrome Web Store
You can now run Android apps on your Chromebook with the App Runtime for Chrome (Beta). This feature works on most Chromebooks running Chrome OS version 37 and higher.
On your Chromebook (won’t work if you’re not using Chrome OS):
- Open the Chrome Web Store.
- Browse the Android Apps & Games Collection.
Note: If you’re not on a Chromebook, you won’t be able to see this collection. - Find an app you want to use, like Evernote, Duolingo, or CloudMagic.
- Add the app to your Chromebook like you would with any other app.
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At the time of writing, this is the easiest way to install Android Apps on Chromebook. This method is also very limited. Not all developers have opted to port their apps to the Chrome Web Store. To have a greater selection of Android apps to install, use the next method:
Install Android apps from the Google Play Store
The first Chromebooks that will support the feature are the Acer Chromebook R11 C738T, ASUS Chromebook Flip and Google’s Chromebook Pixel (2015). The Chromebook Flip is up and running now on the developer channel. Other Chromebooks, Chromeboxes and Chromebases will be able to run Android apps when the feature becomes available later this year. To view a full list of compatible Chromebooks, click here. Another resource you can use is this Chromebook Comparison Chart at StarryHope and check “Android Apps Available Now.”
You will need to enable the “dev channel” on your Chromebook to do this. Enabling the dev channel is a way to get the latest features before they roll out to everyone. Keep in mind that choosing to enable experimental features may result in crashes and bugs.
- Once you have chosen the channel your Chromebook will download its updates. Restart your Chromebook to see the effects of the updates.
- Now you will enable Android apps. Go back to your Chromebook settings and just a little way down the screen, there’s an option for “Android Apps” with a little checkbox. Check this option off to enable it.
- Google Play will launch and walk you through a setup very similar to the setup on Android devices. It will only take a few minutes and then that’s it, you’re in!This slideshow requires JavaScript.
You might be wondering, what if you want to install Android apps from “Unknown Sources” like you would on your Android phone or tablet? Well you can do that on a Chromebook as well.
Install and sideload Android apps from an .apk
Not every app will have an Android app in Google play. Some apps are available from outside Google Play as .apk files, and you can install them on your Chromebook with a bit of extra work.
Examples of apps that are not on Google Play
- Popcorn Time – The .torrent movie streamer
- The Humble Bundle games you purchase
- Videoeder – Download YouTube videos
- Amazon Underground App Store
among others…
To start, you will need to enable developer mode, the dev channel, and the Google Play store.
IMPORTANT: Putting your Chromebook in developer mode will wipe your storage. Back up any files before enabling developer mode.
- Switch channels on your Chromebook (use the Dev Channel)
- Navigate to your Chromebook’s settings and make sure “Enable Android Apps” is checked off. Then, click “App Settings”
- Once you see the Android Settings, click “Security”
- Enable installation of Android apps from “Unknown Sources.” If you do not see this option you are not in developer mode. Use this guide to enable developer mode on your Chromebook.
- Download the APK file you want to install to your Chromebook’s Downloads folder (not your Google Drive).
Note: Be careful in which applications you choose to sideload. Only install applications from sources you trust as you can be susceptible to malware from pirated apps or games. - You will need an Android File Management app to install your .apk files. You cannot just simply double click the APK you download (unfortunately). Download a file management application from the Google Play store onto your Chromebook. I recommend Solid Explorer or ES File Explorer.
- Launch the file manager app you installed, go to your “Downloads” folder and click the APK you want to install then select “Package Installer” when the prompt appears.
- Congrats! Your app should now be installed. Apps you install via an APK file should work just like the apps you download from Google Play in terms of performance, windows, and taskbar icons.
My experience with Android apps on Chromebook
My experience with Android apps on Chromebook so far has been great. The apps work great, they’re fast, feel native, and it just feels right to have Android on a Chromebook.
Here are a few of my notes and opinions on the status of Android apps on Chromebooks so far:
Chromebook Download Free
- Not all apps are optimized for mouse, so using them without a touchscreen can be less intuitive and user friendly. I expect that with time and with the official release of the Google Play Store on Chromebooks these apps will be more mouse friendly.
- As with anything currently in development there are bugs. This is true for Chromebooks that can switch between laptop and tablet mode. Some Android apps might not fill or display correctly on the screen.
- Currently not all Android apps will work on Chromebook but I am sure the bugs will be ironed out within the next few months.
- I expect more and more developers to streamline their apps to work seamlessly across Laptops, Tablets, and Phones to create a more complete Google ecosystem. Streamlining across devices is also happening on Windows 10 and with Apple and I am excited for what is to come.
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What's the difference between Chromium OS and Google Chrome OS?
Google Chrome OS is to Chromium OS what Google Chrome browser is to Chromium.
- Chromium OS is the open source project, used primarily by developers, with code that is available for anyone to checkout, modify, and build.
- Google Chrome OS is the Google product that OEMs ship on Chromebooks for general consumer use.
Some specific differences:
![Store Store](/uploads/1/1/9/4/119421806/240955355.png)
- The two projects fundamentally share the same code base, but Google Chrome OS has some additional firmware features, including verified boot and easy recovery, which require corresponding hardware changes and thus also don't work out of the box in Chromium OS builds.
- Google Chrome OS runs on specially optimized hardware in order to get enhanced performance and security.
- Chromium OS does not auto-update by default (so that changes you may have made to the code are not blown away), whereas Google Chrome OS seamlessly auto-updates so that users have the latest and greatest features and fixes.
- Google Chrome OS is supported by Google and its partners; Chromium OS is supported by the open source community.
- Google Chrome OS includes some binary packages which are not allowed to be included in the Chromium OS project. A non-exhaustive list:
- Adobe Flash
- Widevine CDM plugin (to support HTML5 EME)
- 3G Cellular support (but work is on going to address this)
- DisplayLink Manager for video over USB (some systems)
- Android (ARC++) container for running Android apps
- Some components are available in both, but as closed source binary-only blobs. A non-exhaustive list:
- Graphics Libraries (e.g. OpenGL) on ARM platforms
- Google Chrome ships with its own set of API keys while Chromium does not include any
- Users are expected to set up their own
- Google Chrome OS has a green/yellow/red logo while Chromium OS has a blue/bluer/bluest logo.
Where can I download Google Chrome OS?
Google Chrome OS is not a conventional operating system that you can download or buy on a disc and install. As a consumer, the way you will get Google Chrome OS is by buying a Chromebook that has Google Chrome OS installed by the OEM. Google Chrome OS is being developed to run on new machines that are specially optimized for increased security and performance. We are working with manufacturers to develop reference hardware for Google Chrome OS.
Chromebooks are available for sale now! Check out the Google Chromebook site for more information.
Chrome Play Store
Where can I download Chromium OS?
Which Chromebooks Run Android Apps
If you are the kind of developer who likes to build an open source operating system from scratch, you can follow the developer instructions to check out Chromium OS, build it and experiment with it. A number of sites have also posted pre-built binaries of Chromium OS. However, these downloads are not verified by Google, therefore please ensure you trust the site you are downloading these from.
Keep in mind that Chromium OS is not for general consumer use.
Play Store Download Chromebook
I am a hardware manufacturer, who can I talk to about making a Chrome OS product?
Google Play Store App Download Chromebook
The Chrome OS business development team can be reached at [email protected].