The ability to install Android apps on most Chromebooks is a feature many Chromebook owners have been nudging Google to roll-out widely. While the functionality is excellent, it has also proven to be very limited and slow to bleed onto other Chromebooks, adding to the disappointment of Chrome OS fans.
Fortunately, according to a recent developer channel update, Android apps are extending to more Chromebooks soon.
More Chromebooks Are Getting Support For Android Apps
Users may now install Android Apps on the Acer Chromebook 14, Acer Chromebook 15 or the Asus C300, according to ChromeUnboxed. The three Chromebooks will now have access to the Play Store via the Chrome OS Developer channel, though for owners of the Acer Chromebook 14 or 15, there's slightly a little more work involved.
Accessing The Play Store On Asus C300
For owners of the C300, simply go to the Developer Channel to access the Play Store. Hit the settings menu, choose "About Chrome OS," then click "Change channel" and select the "developer channel." Afterward, the Asus C300 will download the update and prompt the user to reboot the device and complete the installation process.
Accessing The Play Store On Acer Chromebook 14 And 15
For owners of the Acer Chromebook 14 or 15, the setup is a little bit more complicated but definitely feasible. Luckily, 9to5Google has published a detailed step-by-step process to get Android apps up and running on these pair of Acer Chromebooks.
The process is also essentially the same for those of who might have different Chromebook models, and if that particular model is listed on Google's site, chances are it'll work just as well.
The important thing is that more Chromebooks are starting to get support for Android apps. It's expected that more Chromebooks will get access to the Play Store via the Stable Channel upon the release of Chrome OS 55 early December.
Additionally, the Play Store may also finally eject its Beta status and officially roll-out to supported Chromebooks upon the release of Chrome OS 56 around mid-January.
Speaking of Chromebooks, Microsoft Office Android Apps have also been confirmed to get Chrome OS support, with the company announcing its collaboration with Google in order to get its Office mobile suite on Chromebooks.
With the imminent support for Android apps on Chromebooks and the Office mobile suite being a practical shoe-in, it's not hard to wrap one's head around why Chromebooks are increasingly becoming the popular entry-level budget-friendly choice for many people who can manage without the bells and whistles of a premium laptop.
