update 20 might also 2016: this article turned into firstly posted in December 2014 to clarify how users could install Android apps on a Chromebook. quickly-forward to can also 2016 and Google has at last introduced that it is bringing Google Play to Chromebooks, enabling users to installation Google Play apps on Chromebooks. Google Play will first roll out in the developer channel for the Asus Chromebook Flip, Acer Chromebook R eleven and the Chromebook Pixel, after which to different Chromebooks available on the market. Google has promised greater details will comply with in the next few months, and that it will hold a listing of Google Play-supported Chromebooks right here. meanwhile, study on for counsel on a way to install Android apps on a Chromebook.
Chromebooks are astounding contraptions that present outstanding cost and a wonderful amount of skill. This will also be expanded by way of the addition of Android apps, many of which can run on Chromebooks, albeit with a bit assist. Google currently introduced the App Runtime for Chrome, which allows for builders to adapt their Android apps to Chrome OS. to date four respectable apps were released using this runtime – Evernote, Duolingo, Vine, and Sight phrases – however with some effort it's viable to get much more of them the usage of this characteristic. Be warn ed although, efficiency will also be very patchy, and right through our experiments we encountered a number of concerns that induced furious head scratching. but if you fancy a spot of gentle hacking, we'll display you what you should make this work, and how to do it.
Google I/O podcast discussion the way to run Android apps on a Chromebook: Downloading Google's App Runtime for Chrome.while you could expect a visit to some developer sight with a purpose to locate the Runtime app, it's basically lots more straightforward than that. To installation it to your Chromebook all you need to do is down load any of the four apps mentioned above (Evernote, Duolingo, Vine, or Sight words) and the Runtime app is instantly included in the kit. So head to the net store in your Chromebook, look for Evernote, then click on to set up it. be aware that there are more than one edition of Evernote listed. Ignore the one entitled Evernote net, as here's only a shortcut to the online version.
To installation an Android app to your Chromebook you're first going to want the APK, which is the basic equal of an EXE file on windows or a DMG on OS X. You'll deserve to do this on a home windows or OS X computing device, as Chromebooks can't run the repacking utility we'll be using in the next step. Google the app you need, making bound to include APK within the search. be careful when going to the listed websites as lots of them have huge down load Now buttons that are often for the adverts subsequent to them in place of the file itself. Take your time, make certain you de termine that you just're clicking on what you definitely desire, then you definitely'll be able to download the APK instead of some dodgy browser plug-in.
Now you have got the APK you'll should repackage it for Chrome OS. This may sound a bit intimidating however it's only a couple of strains of code. we will want a different piece of free utility though, which can be found at nodejs.org. So consult with the web page, go to the downloads web page, then select the version of Node-JS that works for your system.
earlier than you launch it be aware to be aware the name of the APK file, and through which folder it currently resides, as we'll should navigate to it manually.
Load up nodejs and then enter here command;
npm set up chromeos-apk –g
in case you get an error message asserting 'npm may still be run outdoor of the node repl, in your average shell', then close the windows, open up the regular terminal window by using looking for Command instantaneous, then enter here;
cd \software files\nodejs\
then run the fashioned command again.
Now you'll need to exchange to the listing that the APK file is in. For ease we've used a USB power. check home windows Explorer for the correct path then navigate to that one, like this.
d: (which adjustments our latest area to the USB pressure)
then enter right here command
chromeos-apk [enter the file name for your app].apk
you'll want to have viewed some eco-friendly writing appear beneath the command telling you that a directory turned into created. This ability the APK is capable.
make certain that the new APK is in your USB stick, then plug it into your Chromebook. With a browser windows open go to the settings alternative (the three traces within the accurate appropriate nook) then opt for more equipment>Extensions. Now tick the field in the right right corner marked Developer mode, and a further button bearing the legend 'Load unpacked extensions' will appear. click that.
If every little thing is working accurately be sure to see a purple warning seem under the name of your new Extension. here is excellent and can be left out. It you have got another error messages, and we has a few all over the manner of writing this e-book, then we indicate you Google the message and you will find a lot of options already online.
The last factor to do it hit the launch choice beneath the purple message, then watch your Android app load up on a Chromebook. It need to be pointed out that some work better than others, and Skype become very flaky on our HP 11" Chromebook, but when you in reality are looking to dabble then there are numerous apps that should be perfectly chuffed for your little computing device.
