Google’s latest feature makes discovering and installing web apps on Chromebook more convenient with the new “Add to Chromebook” badge.

Google is rolling out a new “Add to Chromebook” badge to simplify the process of finding and installing progressive web apps (PWAs) and Android apps for ChromeOS users. This badge will directly link users to the web app they wish to install or to the Google Play Store for Android apps, as reported by 9to5Google.

During a Google I/O session video on ChromeOS, it was mentioned that many users begin their app searches with a Google search and often end up on developer websites. This presents the perfect opportunity to display the Add to Chromebook badge, encouraging ChromeOS users to easily access and install the desired apps. While installing Android apps on a Chromebook is relatively straightforward through the Play Store, web apps can get lost as just another tab on the Chrome browser since the installation process is not immediately clear. PWAs have the advantage of providing a full application experience and can even run offline, while also loading faster. When installed on the home screen of a device, PWAs are almost indistinguishable from regular applications. The introduction of the “Add to Chromebook” badge aims to improve the visibility and accessibility of these apps for users.

Google highlights that there are over 100 million monthly users of web apps across Chrome browsers, including ChromeOS, indicating a significant user base that developers can target for app installations on computers.

In conclusion, Google is introducing the “Add to Chromebook” badge to facilitate the discovery and installation of PWAs and Android apps for ChromeOS users. This badge will streamline the process by providing direct links to the apps, whether on the web or in the Google Play Store. With a growing user base for web apps on Chrome browsers, developers have ample opportunities to reach a wide audience and promote their apps for installation on computers.

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https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/21/24161956/google-add-to-chromebook-badge-button-install-progressive-web-apps-pwa