Google releases desktop Chrome App Launcher to all Mac users

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.

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.

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.

Chrome Desktop Apps