Google makes Android apps available to Chrome OS

Chromebook is a laptop that runs on Chrome OS, where apps and data reside in the 'cloud'; they were designed primarily to be used when connected to the Internet.

Acer and Samsung built the first Chromebooks, and began shipping them on 15 Jun'11; besides Chromebook, a desktop called Chromebox was introduced in 2012.

The concept of browser OS was a concern since its release.

Having come a long way since debut, Chromebook has transformed from what used to be a laptop-shaped browser machine to an actual laptop competitor.

Reportedly, Chromebooks managed to take over other laptops like MacBooks.

International Data Corporation's survey showed that more Chromebooks were shipped in the US than MacBooks in 2016's Q1.

Being less-expensive (one-third of cheapest MacBook's cost), Chromebooks' number has significantly increased.

Google has made the whole collection of Android apps available on Chrome OS; as of now, the apps are available only to Chromebook Flip owners.

Chromebooks struggled to get rid of the 'just a browser' tag, while Android has over two million apps in the Play Store and a billion users.

Making those apps available to Chromebooks would be an advantage for its users.

Though Android apps look good on Chrome OS in the preview, developers claimed they don't have an idea about their final form.

Play Store reportedly works just as it does on Android; after signing in, apps would be downloadable.

Chrome OS lacks the system-wide back button; to make up for this, a permanent back button is featured on the left corner of each app.

According to Lifehacker.com, there are some problems with Android apps in Chromebooks.

Several apps in Play Store are still designed for tablets or phones, while other broken things are present; for instance, apps that require GPS or SMS or touch screen probably don't work.

The problem with using local files with apps or retrieving files that are saved using Android apps was also faced.