Google back in September introduced the first set of Android apps for
Chrome OS
via its App Runtime for Chrome (popularly known as ARC) in Beta. Now,
the company is taking the ARC that is still in beta to the next level
as it can allow Android apps to run (to some extent) on desktops.
(
Also see:
How to Run Android Apps on Your PC or Mac)
Google
has launched a new Chrome extension named ARC Welder, which is now
available via Chrome Web store, and it can run (or test) any Android app within the Chrome browser.
The search engine giant stresses that the new Chrome extension release
is primarily focused on developers to test their apps on Chrome OS. It's
worth mentioning that the while move might be targeted for developers
to test the apps for Chrome OS; though it allows most Android apps to
run on desktops such as Windows, Mac, Linux as well as Chromebooks.
Android
Police points out, "It runs Android software at a speed that's close to native inside
of a sandboxed Dalvik virtual window." Considering that ARC is still in
beta, Google is referring to this release as a Developer Preview.
(Also see: How to Use WhatsApp on a PC)
Google
details how to get started
steps for developers
to test or run Android apps on Chrome OS via the ARC Welder Chrome
extension, which unfortunately requires the apk (Android application
package) file of an app. Users can find the signed-apks for most of
their favourite apps on third-party hosting sites like Apkmirror. To
test or run an Android app, one will have to attach the apk file to ARC
Welder and launch the app.
The company also details how developers
can upload their apps to Chrome's Web Store. "In ARC Welder, click
Download ZIP. Upload your ZIP file to the Chrome Web Store. See
Publishing Your App for more details," adds Google.
There are few
limitations as Google Play Services are not completely supported, which
means that the apps relying on it might not run well. "Since ARC is in
beta, it doesn't support all of Google Play Services yet," notes Google.
The company however has given some available APIs to fix.
The
company back in September announced
four apps - namely Duolingo, a free language-learning app; Evernote,
the popular note taking app; Sight Words, an app to help improve your
child's reading skills, and Vine, for creating short and looping videos,
landed on Chrome OS. The company initially previewed its plans to run
Android apps on Chrome OS
at its I/O 2014.
Google Brings a Native Media Player in Gemini Mobile App, Lets Users Play Audio Overviews25 July 2025
Search
![[Sponsored] Students Try the Galaxy Tab S10FE for the First Time - Real Reactions, Powerful Features](https://c.ndtvimg.com/2025-07/54d9ikeg_galaxy_160x120_18_July_25.jpg?downsize=180:*)
