Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

I'm really confused about what this means for Chrome Apps on ChromeOS. We use Electron for Windows/Mac/Linux but as far as I know Chrome Apps are still the only game in town for ChromeOS. Is there another way to release apps for Chrome OS?



"All types of Chrome apps will remain supported and maintained on Chrome OS for the foreseeable future. Additional enhancements to the Chrome apps platform will apply only to Chrome OS devices, including kiosks. Developers can continue to build Chrome apps (or Android apps) for Chrome OS."

https://blog.chromium.org/2016/08/from-chrome-apps-to-web.ht...


So basically Google says they'll maintain and further develop this technology, so it can't be bad per se.

They will however now reduce the amount of platforms it can run on to a fraction of what it was... But for what reason? (Since it's clearly an OK technology in the eyes of ChromeOS)

This only shows yet again to never rely on a Google-based platform for your application or service.


...platforms it can run on to a fraction of what it was...

The plan, of course, is that everyone will be on ChromeOS.


This essentially means that Chrome Apps are dead. No one will spend money developing new concepts for such a small platform unless they are paid to do so.


Android apps are available on ChromeOS


Only if your device is on a list of recent supported Chromebooks and Chromeboxes.

For instance my old Acer Chromebook 13 never got Android app support, it was too old despite being based on the same Nvidia Tegra K1 ARM CPU that has been used in a number of Android devices.




Consider applying for YC's Fall 2025 batch! Applications are open till Aug 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: