Google has confirmed that all Chromebooks launched this year and onward will support Android apps. The firm previously announced in May that it would bring more than a million Android apps to Chromebooks, however only to certain machines.
According to Google spokesperson, though the apps will be available to all new Chromebooks launching this year, they may not be coming right out of the box. Such experience will depend on the time of the launches, and when the apps on Chrome operating system is out of Beta. He also said that the firm do not have an update for the said matters, yet, but teasing users to "stay tuned".
Chromebooks, which are low-cost computers that run with Google's Web-centric software have long been criticized for their lack of app support when compared to other computers running on Mac OS or Windows. Currently, there are 3 Chromebooks that support Android apps - The Acer Chromebook R11, Asus Chromebook Flip and Google's Chromebook Pixel (2015).
The firm has announced that roughly half of all devices released in the past two years will be compatible in the future, as reported by CNET.
Despite its unpopularity with home users, Chromebooks are often found a spot in education market - and with the new features enabling Android apps to be installed on the device, there could be a change in the future.
Fresh battles lines between Chromebooks and Windows PCs were drawn at CES 2017 in January. Asus introduced the next iteration of the Chromebook Flip. Samsung, meanwhile, unveiled the Chromebook Plus and Pro two premium touchscreen devices that aim to make the most of Chromebook Android integration.
Google and device makers are also launching new hardware to take advantage of the software. Acer's Chromebook Spin 11 has a screen that flips around 360 degrees, and a camera just above the keyboard, enabling students to hold up the Chromebook like a tablet device.
Acer's Chromebook also has active Wacom stylus support, allowing for pressure-sensitive digital pens that don't need batteries and only cost a few bucks each.
