Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Mobile
  3. News

Android 7.1 apps will finally soon be supported on the Chrome OS

By

Microsoft Surface Pro 4 Chrome
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Chrome OS has supported Android apps for a while now, which has marked a massive change for the operating system. Despite the fact that the hardware of Chromebooks can handle Android apps, the software seems to be lagging behind a little. Thankfully, that is about to change.

To date, Android apps that run on Chrome OS have had to be based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow, basically meaning that they have to follow certain guidelines as to what they can and cannot do. There are, however, a few big difference between apps based on Marshmallow and apps based on Android 7.0 Nougat.

Perhaps the biggest difference between Marshmallow and Nougat is that Nougat brings the ability to resize apps, as well as support for multiple windows. What that means is that apps can act much more like they would on a computer — you can have a few windowed apps open at once, just like you would be able to on Windows or MacOS.

Related

An update to reflect the new feature is currently rolling out to the experimental Canary channel of Chrome OS. According to a post from 9to5Google, it doesn’t seem as though the update to Chrome OS is showing up for everyone using the Canary channel just yet. If you’re using a Chrome OS device, hold tight — your update should be on its way soon. It’s expected that the update will roll out to consumers toward the end of January. The news first broke in a report from Chrome Unboxed, which also published these screenshots:

Still, there are a few other great features that could really solidify Android apps on Chrome OS — the most notable being that Chrome OS needs the Google Play Store.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Christian de Looper
Christian de Looper
Contributor
Christian’s interest in technology began as a child in Australia, when he stumbled upon a computer at a garage sale that he…
The best money-saving and investing apps for iOS and Android
Mint Personal Finance

The personal savings rate in the United States has rocketed to record levels in the face of recent global economic uncertainty, and while one can hope that good habits stick, we could all use a little push or some assistance in building our nest egg. We've taken the time to review and outline the best money-saving apps for iOS and Android. Whether it's squirreling away some extra change, keeping a budget, or saving for retirement, these apps serve as a starting point for beginning savers and useful tools for seasoned investors.

If you're interested in money-transfer apps or moneymaking apps, we also have separate guides on those subjects.
Mint

Read more
Chrome OS to soon run everywhere, including on PCs and Macs
Google Chrome opened on a laptop.

Soon youou won't need a dedicated Chrome OS-powered device, like a Chromebook, to run Google's desktop operating system.

Google has announced an early access program called Chrome OS Flex that will bring its operating system to existing Windows and Mac hardware, making it easy and simple to not only run Chrome and benefit from security updates, but also to gain access to Android apps.

Read more
The best note-taking apps for iOS and Android
best note-taking apps 2

Taking notes with your phone or tablet is a convenient way of staying organized. You can use your device to create to-do lists, keep track of important appointments, or even take notes during classes and meetings.

Apps like Bear, SimpleNote, Quip, and others allow you to write, draw, share your notes, and add files to your notes. Choosing the right app to take notes on the go will ensure you never fail to record anything important. We've picked some of the best note-taking apps available.
Evernote

Read more