One of the most interesting announcements that occurred at the Google I / O event held last week in San Francisco was the conformation in which it is indicated that the computers called Chromebook will compatible with Android applications. Thus, the ecosystem of the Mountain View company is closing to be much more useful and efficient. Well, it has been known that not all teams will be able to do this.
Compatibility depends on the model and the official certification.
Mountain View's own company has published a listing in which it clearly specifies the models that they certify and, therefore, that they will be able to use the works developed at first for use on smartphones and tablets (without forgetting its variant for smartwatches). They are not all there, so it is important to review what has been published in case you are thinking of buying a Chromebook -or you already have one, and you want to know its possible compatibility-.
Always consult the official listing before you buy.
By the way, on the page on which Google has published the list of Chromebooks that will achieve compatibility with Android applications, It has been organized by the dates on which this will happen for each of the models, so you will even know when it is estimated that the developments can be used on computers -such as, for example, the Play Store-. The first three are these: Acer Chromebook R11 / C738T, Asus Chromebook Flip and Google Chromebook Pixel (2015), which will have the corresponding update in June 2016. The rest of those that appear in the list, will obtain the announced compatibility at the end of the same year mentioned.
The deployment was carried out by phases, starting with these teams.
More and more in demand
This is something that is evident when you read news such as that, for example, in the latest US data the market share of Chromebooks is above 30% and, as regards sales, these in the last month have even surpassed Apple's Macs. The reasons for these and so is the tight price of the equipment, many below 300 euros, and that its operation is quite fast. In addition, offline usability is increasing, and segments such as the education they see in these teams the best way to implement technology in classrooms at an adequate cost.
Price, performance and simplicity explain its rise.
Models Chromebooks Older, as has been seen, do not have a specific date to achieve compatibility, but there are many who before the end of 2016 will be able to use Android applications. And, this will be a true turning point for these teams since many more things can be done with them and, in addition, the lack of internet access It will not be decisive in its possibilities of use.
La compatibility It has been gradually implemented in previous models.
App compatibility on Chromebooks: how it really works
Google Play only shows compatible apps With your device: If you browse the web and see your Chromebook screen dimmed, it means the app isn't compatible with your model. Common causes are: availability by location, Android version requirements o designed for specific screen sizesDevelopers can target the app to specific devices and ensure compatibility. can change over time.
When using Android apps on ChromeOS, certain features behave differently: on devices without touch screenMany apps work with a mouse and keyboard; others require touch interaction and may not offer the same experience. If you're unsure about a specific app, contact its developer from its Play page.
Activate Google Play and download apps on ChromeOS
To install Android apps, your Chromebook must Supports Google Play StoreGo to Settings > Apps and check the Google Play preferencesIf it doesn't appear, your device isn't enabled. After accepting the terms, you will be able to search and download Apps and content (movies, books, subscriptions). Keep in mind the apps on your mobile device. They are not installed automatically on the Chromebook and that the Play Store and apps are associated with the first account with which you log in.
Usage and controls: windows, keyboard and games
Many apps allow you to change your window size between “Phone”, “Tablet”, or “adjustable” modes, which improves adaptation to large screens. For gaming, ChromeOS offers control overlays that show actions assigned to keys or clicks; it is even possible to customize them (for example, with combinations like Ctrl + 8 (to edit profiles), overwriting duplicate keys when required. This is how they are used keyboard and mouse in titles designed for touch.
Permissions, privacy, backups, and synchronization
Since the android settings On Chromebooks, you can manage permissions per app (storage, location, etc.). If you enable LocationSome apps might also use the Bluetooth of the device. When browsing in private mode, links opened from an app will open in a normal tab. If you disable the Play Store, it will delete data and settings of the device's Android apps.
By default, ChromeOS performs backup It retrieves Android app data and restores it when you switch Chromebooks. It also syncs apps between devices if you enable it. Sync everything and app syncHowever, in some cases apps and data may not fully synchronize across multiple devices.
Technical aspects that affect compatibility
Many Chromebooks use chips x86while most mobile phones use ARMIn apps with native code (for example, game engines), this matters. Ideally, the developer should release versions for armeabi-v7a, arm64-v8a, x86 y x86_64ChromeOS can translate ARM code on x86 systems, but that translation involves lower performance and higher consumption. Furthermore, some models only run 32-bit AndroidTherefore, it is advisable to include both 32-bit and 64-bit builds to maximize availability.
Chromebooks that are certified for Google Play They open the door to a vast catalog of Android applicationsWith an experience that improves every day thanks to window settings, game controls, permission management, and synchronization. Check the official list, enable the Play Store if your device allows it, and take advantage of a lightweight, secure environment with enormous potential.