Google is rolling out a new “Add to Chromebook” badge, designed to help ChromeOS users easily find and install both progressive web apps (PWAs) and Android apps. This badge provides a direct link to either the web app or the Google Play Store for Android apps.
During a Google I/O session focused on ChromeOS, the presenter mentioned that many users searching for apps begin with a Google search and often end up on developers’ websites. These sites are ideal places to showcase the Add to Chromebook badge, facilitating a smoother process for ChromeOS users to access the app. While Android apps are typically found and installed via the Play Store without much hassle, web apps often remain merely as open tabs in Chrome. Users need to click the icon in the upper-right corner of Chrome to install these web apps properly.
Enhanced user experience with PWAs
Progressive web apps come with several benefits. They can function almost like full apps, work offline, and load quickly. When installed on a computer or smartphone home screen, they are nearly identical to traditional apps. The new “Add to Chromebook” badge aims to make it easier for users to discover and install these apps, potentially increasing their adoption.
Google has pointed out that over 100 million monthly web app users use Chrome browsers across all platforms, including ChromeOS. This creates a vast opportunity for developers to promote their apps. By simplifying the installation process with the new badge, Google hopes to enhance the user experience and broaden the audience for web apps.
