Today, as the Google Chrome web browser celebrates its fifth birthday, the company has announced that it is rolling out, what it is calling, Chrome Apps. For those scratching their heads thinking that Chrome already has the Chrome Web Store, which opened up alongside the launch of the Chrome OS back in 2010, don't worry, you're not crazy. The new Chrome Apps from Google are different in that the apps now offer much more in terms of connectivity to one's computer, not just the web browser.
The new system works as a way for Google to get its Chrome OS off the ground as a legitimate rival to OS X and Windows some day in the future. The inclusion of a proper app store makes the company seem a lot more appealing to developers.
The apps can exist outside of the Chrome browser window, work offline and sync across devices and operating systems, according to The Verge. In addition to all of those features, the apps can now access your computer's GPU, storage, camera, ports and Bluetooth connections. Meaning that, for the first time, the apps from the Chrome Store will be very hard to differentiate from the apps that come with a Windows or OS X device.
"We want to make Chrome OS a full-fledged operating system," says Brian Rakowski, a Chrome VP. "We want to make sure there are no reasons it's not the right product for everyone."
At launch the company will offer more than 50 Chrome Apps in the Chrome Web Store. Big name developers are not on board just yet but the hope is that they'll see the potential in this new venture and begin to develop soon.
Current;y the Chrome Apps are, for now, only available on Chrome on Windows or Chrome OS on Chromebooks. Mac users will have to wait another six weeks before the version of the Chrome Web Store will be updated.
