Google announced in May 2016 that they will be bringing over 1 million Android apps to their Chromebooks though only a limited number of units will be able to support them. Now, taking it a step further, they have announced that all Chromebooks set to be released in 2017 and thereafter will support Android Apps.
Chromebook's access to Google Play gives the device an array of opportunities to be more than just a basic web-browsing laptop. Here are some apps you might consider to install on your Android App Compatible Chromebook:
Slack
Slack is a cross platform service that may come in handy for both office and personal use. It enables users to engage in private chats including group chats, as well as voice and video calls. The app also allows users to create and check off to-do lists, create conversations per topic or project, and essentially customize conversations that can aid in making tasks more organized.
Pocket Cast
Pocket cast is an easy to use platform for keeping your favorite podcasts ready for listening at any time of the day. The app allows for creating a playback queue, trims silences for quick listening, checks for new episode on your behalf and allows for background listening, so you can enjoy your favorite podcasts even while you work.
Microsoft Office
Google Docs works perfectly fine, but Microsoft Office offers a whole array of productivity tools. Many already know the ease and effectivity of using Microsoft Office and now that Chromebooks are Android compatible, you can now install and have access to Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint.
Adobe
Adobe has recently announced the release of Chromebook compatible versions of their Android applications. Adobe's range of creativity tools on a Chromebook gives room for creative freedom in and out of the classroom, and an added artistic feature to your Chromebook.
Chromebooks have their own pull in the market as a low-cost, easy to use laptop, though their journey hasn't been easy since their launch. The Chrome OS, which was initially announced in 2009, brought the laptop back to basic uses as a web browser with but an ample amount of storage. Further, the early Chromebook did not support full desktop apps such as Microsoft Office, but instead encouraged their users to use web-based applications such as Google Docs.
The announcement comes as a welcome change even if Chromebook already essentially provides the many basic uses of a standard laptop so much so that it was able to outsell Macbooks in the first three months of 2016 thanks to the education market. Naturally, there will be a tweaking phase as the shift is not expected to be completely smooth sailing, but the announcement opens up a whole lot of opportunities for the Chromebook in the market.
