May 21, 2013 The Chrome App Launcher is coming to OSX, providing a simple way to launch Chrome ‘packaged apps’ – web apps that are written in a combination of HTML5, Javascript. And, since Chrome's add-ons are improving by the day (recent offerings include a Greasemonkey clone), I suspect it won't be long before Firefox loses that edge, as well. For now, Chrome4Mac is the.
Google is looking to bring a version of its Chrome OS app launcher to the Mac, possibly as an add-on to the Chrome browser, allowing users to access a slew of Web apps normally available only from within the
Chrome developer François Beaufort revealed on his Google+ page (viaiMore) that the Internet search giant is working to bring the app launcher to Mac.
Because the Chrome OS platform runs Web apps instead of traditional programs, the app launcher is a vital part of the experience. Instead of having to enter Chrome to execute app functions, the launcher breaks out the Web-based titles into a separate window.
Those interested in trying out the beta version of Chrome's app launcher for Mac can download the latest build of Chromium and run a switch command in terminal.
Available apps will show up as a pop-up above the Chromium icon in the OS X dock, while selecting a title will launch the app in a new browser window. Switching apps takes place in-browser, though the launcher does save a couple steps in navigating to a particular app.
It is unclear if or when Google intends to launch the functionality in Chrome for OS X, and Beaufort didn't offer any further information regarding the project beside its existence.
![The Chrome App Launcher Mac The Chrome App Launcher Mac](/uploads/1/2/6/2/126270470/466903684.png)
While the implementation is somewhat limited at this time, it shows Google is actively looking for ways to garner a larger presence on Apple's OS X platform.
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Looking back at late May Google released a beta version of Chrome Apps for Mac, which should not be confused with Chrome OS or Chrome’s browser apps. These ‘Chrome Apps’ are full-fledged applications complete with offline support and include apps like Any.do, Pocket, and many more available in the “For your desktop” collection in the Chrome Web Store. Google initally released the desktop app launcher as part of a Chromium release back in May. With the app launcher, a grid icon lives in your dock and with a click a tray appears showing all your installed Chrome apps and services.
The Chrome App Launcher Machine
Chrome Apps work offline, update automatically and sync to any computer where you’re signed into Chrome, so you can pick up where you left off. Your Chrome Apps on Mac behave and feel just like native software. For example, you can find your Chrome Apps in the Applications folder on the Dock. Search for apps by name in the Spotlight search—just like any other Mac program that you already use.
The Chrome App Launcher Mac Download
Beginning today, Chrome Apps are now available to all Mac users. “Just download a new Chrome App and you’ll see the Chrome App Launcher in your dock.” The apps are given access to local storage making offline work easy and native when compared to “regular” Chrome apps. I wouldn’t expect these apps to replace their true desktop counterparts, but they are definite “must haves” for any dedicated Chrome user on the Mac.
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