Chrome apps will soon jump over to iOS and Android devices using a developer tool that was released by Google on Tuesday. Utilizing the Apache Cordova, the apps that are normally used on Chrome will essentially become a native app for smartphones and tablets ready for download from iOS App store and Google Play store.
The Apache Cordova is an open-source framework for developers building applications using Javascript, CSS, and HTML and the foundation used to develop the toolchain to port the Web apps used on Chrome to mobile devices.
"The toolchain wraps your Chrome App with a native application shell and enables you to distribute your app via Google Play and the Apple App Store. We provide a simple developer workflow for packaging a Chrome App natively for mobile platforms. You can run your Chrome App on a device or emulator using the command-line or an IDE. Alternatively, you can use the Chrome Apps Developer Tool to run your app on an Android device without the need to install an IDE or the mobile platform's SDK," explained Google software engineer Andrew Grieve.
Google also disclosed through the official Chromium blog that it has made available several Chrome APIs that can make things easier for developers. Some of the APIs will help with alarms, backing up of files, local data storage, notifications, push messages, handle payments, and sign-in processes. Aside from these, there are also Cordova-supported APIs that can be tapped by developers.
According to the company,the tool will be continually improved as it gets feedback from developers. This means that work will continue but it might take a while before end-users see apps from Chrome jumping into the iOS App store.
In recent months, Google has been treading into Apple territory. In December, it released a launcher of Chrome Apps for Mac.
Earlier this month, news surfaced that Google is developing a Chromoting app, which allows one to remotely access computers, for the iOS platform. The company also introduced into the Apple world a limited version of Google Play Movies & TV app that gives iOS users access to its huge library of movies and TV shows.
As Google ventures into Apple territory, it can basically tap into a market that is willing to spend billions of dollars for their mobile apps.
