Android apps on Chromebooks have almost entirely defied expectations, and while they’ve spent most of their lives on Google’s operating system, underutilized and underutilized by users and developers alike, the Google’s renewed attention to them has really shown itself lately.
Take, for example, the company’s desire to put Android and larger screens back in the spotlight with the new and upcoming Pixel tablet, or all of its efforts to help optimize apps for devices and even desktop games. Recently, Google detailed plans to help users discover and install apps for different devices by providing filtered Play Store experiences personalized by device.
This week, however, it went even further to show off a revamped store experience for Chromebooks and larger screens. As you can see below, the left-aligned navigation and, more importantly, the thoughtful app and info real estate means those looking for games and more on ChromeOS, foldables, or tablets Android will no longer be forced to use a phone layout.
This all comes shortly after the Play Store for the web received its own revamp a few months ago, and both are ways for Google to deliver “content-forward” experiences where videos, descriptions, and screenshots make better use of the display size and form factor of the device you’re holding.
Speaking of screenshots, Google also announced that Play Store app and game listings will now have to upload Chromebook-specific screenshots if that title runs on ChromeOS so those using a laptop can see what the experience will look like before installation.
When users browse the Play Store on Chromebooks today, they see tablet or phone screenshots on the app’s listing page. Since this doesn’t always accurately represent the Chromebook experience, we’re now rolling out the ability to upload Chromebook-specific screenshots to the Play Console.
Android Developer Blog
I love all the attention the company is giving Chromebooks lately, and you can see their desire to elevate and aim for higher adoption rates for the OS through the efforts of the company. My wish is that developers start taking mouse and keyboard support and even game controller support more seriously if they see Google putting the work in place.
