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Google is launching a new “Add to Chromebook” badge designed to streamline the process for ChromeOS users to find and install progressive web apps (PWAs) and Android apps.
This badge will link directly to the desired web app or to the Google Play Store for Android apps, according to a report by 9to5Google.
In a video session at Google I/O, the presenter explained that many users start their search for apps with Google and often land on developers’ websites.
These websites are an ideal place to display the "Add to Chromebook" badge, facilitating a direct path for ChromeOS users to access the app. For Android apps, users typically go straight to the Play Store, facing little difficulty in finding and installing apps.
However, web apps frequently end up as just another tab in Chrome because the installation process for these apps is not straightforward. Users need to click an icon in the upper right corner of Chrome to install the web app.
PWAs can offer a nearly complete app experience, capable of running offline and loading quickly. Once installed on a computer or smartphone home screen, they are almost indistinguishable from regular apps.
The new badge aims to increase the likelihood that users will find and install these apps correctly.
Google highlighted that there are over 100 million monthly web app users on Chrome browsers across all platforms, including ChromeOS. This substantial user base presents a significant opportunity for developers to get their apps on more devices.
