Key Points:
- Introduction of the “Add to Chromebook” badge to streamline Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) installation.
- New tabbed PWA mode for enhanced multitasking capabilities.
- Updates on ChromeOS migration to Android 13 and improved ADB over USB support.
Google is revolutionizing the way ChromeOS users interact with apps by introducing a new “Add to Chromebook” badge, which simplifies the installation process for Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). Announced during I/O 2024, this feature aims to enhance app discoverability and ease of use, benefiting the growing user base that spans multiple platforms including Android, Windows, Linux, Mac, and ChromeOS. With over 100 million monthly web app users, according to Google’s internal data, this innovation addresses a significant demand.
The “Add to Chromebook” badge will appear in Google Search results and on developer websites, making it a breeze to install both Android apps and PWAs directly from these locations. This marks a departure from the previous limitation where PWAs could only be installed if accessed within a browser tab. Now, users can effortlessly add these apps from various sources like homepages, marketing pages, or app listings.
Accompanying this badge is a new, classic desktop OS-like install wizard set to roll out with ChromeOS 125+. This wizard includes app descriptions and screenshots, further streamlining the user experience. Popular apps are already beginning to display these badges, showcasing the immediate impact of this update.
Another significant advancement is the introduction of a tabbed PWA mode. This feature allows users to open multiple instances of a PWA, enhancing multitasking capabilities. Developers can customize the user experience by controlling home tabs and URL paths. For instance, Figma has already adopted this functionality in their latest PWA, with broader availability expected in ChromeOS 126.
Google also shared updates on ChromeOS’s migration to Android 13, which includes improvements to ADB over USB. Utilizing the USB 3 specification for debug capability, this enhancement will make ADB over USB more user-friendly and accessible across a wider range of Chromebooks. These updates underscore Google’s commitment to evolving ChromeOS, making it a more robust and versatile platform for both developers and users.
