Google to drop Chrome apps platform from everywhere except Chrome OS

Google has decided to kill off Chrome apps almost everywhere. However, one doesn’t need to panic as Google is not killing its Chrome web browser. Instead of that, Google is discontinuing its Chrome apps platform from everywhere with the exception of Chrome OS.

According to Google, this substantial change will have an effect on approximately one percent of Google Chrome users on Linux, Mac, and Windows.

Back in 2013, Google launched Chrome Apps. These were apps put together with the help web technologies like HTML, JavaScript, and CSS. However, they operated outside of the Google Chrome browser.

Hence, if were ever positive about switching apps on your computer, you would have usually seen something like i.e. Google Hangouts separate from your browser.

Google recommends developers move their Chrome apps to the web since web technologies have matured enough over the period.

“All types of Chrome apps will remain supported and maintained on Chrome OS for the foreseeable future. Developers can continue to build Chrome apps (or Android apps) for Chrome OS,” says Google.

Support for Chrome apps will be removed over the next two years on Mac, Windows, and Linux by the second half of 2017.

The Chrome Web Store will no longer appear on those platforms. In 2018, Chrome apps will cease to be loadable.

“Additional enhancements to the Chrome apps platform will apply only to Chrome OS devices, including kiosks,” the post added.

However, on Chrome OS, the operating system that powers Chromebooks, Chrome apps will keep on supported and maintained for the foreseeable future.

The company says developers can still create apps for Chrome OS, or they can start building Android apps. Back in May 2016, Google announced Android apps would be supported on certain Chromebooks.

“As the capabilities of the web continue to grow, we’re excited to see what developers build next,” Google tries to encourage the developer’s community.

“Alongside other browser vendors, we remain committed to investment in the web and enabling users and developers to benefit from its openness and reach,” it said further.