Google Chrome Apps are Back!

Google has just recently updated the Google Chrome Developer Channel  to version: 8.0.552.0 dev and one of the new function in this update is the returning support for Google Chrome Apps!

I had already posted on Google Chrome support for apps here, but Google decided to remove support not much after I blogged about it. But now with Google's support, Apps can thrive again.

You must have the latest Google Chrome from the Developer Channel 


Since at the time of writing they are not enable by default you must enable Apps with the simple shortcut command : --enable-apps
In order to do this right-click your existing Google Chrome shortcut either on your desktop or start menu and click properties. In the target field append --enable-apps to the end of the address.

It should look like this:

Now that apps are enabled restart your browser.

For now apps can only be enable through the extensions pane. So in Chrome go to Tools->Developer->Extensions. Make sure you are in the developer mode.

Now download this zip file containing 3 Google created apps.

Unzip them to a directory that you are familiar with.
Now go back to the extensions page and click load unpacked extension. Go to the folder where you unpacked the Google Apps.zip and click on the app you want to install. Just click OK and done!

You installed the app!

Just go over to your new tab page to check out your new and sexy apps!

Please note that if you want the sleek looking app icons instead of the the favicon and website name, in the new tab page move your mouse over the app and click on the the wrench. Then select "Open as pinned tab". It will give you the result below.

Congratulations! You successfully (hopefully) installed Google Chrome Apps!