Want Gboard, SwiftKey or another Android virtual keyboard on your Chromebook? The Dev Channel of Chrome OS 79 will let you do that, but bear in mind, it’s a bit of a work in progress at the moment.
Browsing: Android apps
At long last, Google is bringing the ability to sideload Android apps to Chromebooks. The feature is planned for Chrome OS 80, helping both developers and power users alike.
Do you have the Android version of Amazon Music installed on your Chromebook? Better check and see if you still have it: Amazon has been removing it from devices and the Play Store doesn’t show Chromebook compatibility.
After four months in a preview release, Android Studio arrives on Chromebooks with official support. There’s still no Android device emulator, but the USB debug feature of Chrome OS lets you install and test apps on your connected phone.
Originally planned for between Chrome OS 69 and 72, a recent Chromium developer comment suggests that the ability to sideload Android apps on a Chromebook isn’t even likely for Chrome OS 75.
It’s not an official commitment to a particular release, but Google is considering a way to sideload Android apps from outside of the Google Play Store on a Chromebook in the next few months. It’s going to depend on security and other priorities, however.
Looking to get a starter Chromebook for a younger child to learn some programming online or run Android apps? You don’t have to break the bank: Here are a few good options to consider.