Updated on December 10, 2021
Now that the entire range of Google Play Android apps are finally coming to Chrome OS (the operating system Chromebooks use), one question should be asked: which apps will be the most popular? Also, which ones will be worth using on Chrome OS, for that matter?
Here’s five apps I look forward to using, or at least trying, on my Chromebook.
Skype
Skype’s been one of the most prominent services desired on Chromebooks. While Hangouts is likable enough, too many people only use Skype for business and other purposes. Skype does have a web version, but it has fewer features (especially for video chatting) versus the Windows, OS X, and Android versions. Full-fledged Skype access will make Chromebooks a much easier sell to consumers.
Spotify
Spotify has a serviceable web player, but it has fewer features than its desktop or even Android counterpart. The biggest feature missing from Spotify’s web player is being able to rearrange songs within playlists. It seems pretty glaring, given its rival Google Play Music can do such on its web player (and Android app). Although I’m on the free Spotify tier, I assume the Android app allows for rearranging playlists for paying customers?
Perfect Viewer
Perfect Viewer’s been my usual Android comics reader app, although I’ve tried others. Chrome OS offers a few comic readers, but Perfect Viewer would be likely be nicer than those.
Stitcher
Stitcher’s web player works adequately, but it lacks the controls its Android app cousin offers. Particularly missing on Stitcher’s web player are the buttons to skip back 10 seconds or ahead 30 seconds.
Of course, I could switch to another podcast player. I’ve been trying out Google Play Music’s podcast support; while it has a better web player than Stitcher, it’s still a bit plain on features. A few podcasts I listen to also aren’t available yet.
Angry Birds
The popular mobile phone game (and now a popular movie, for some reason) once had a Chrome OS version, but it was removed some time ago. With the new access to Google Play, that means Angry Birds is now back on Chromebooks, at least for touchscreen-model users. Of course, tons of other games will also now be available on Chromebooks.
What Android apps do you look forward to using on Chromebooks?