Chromebooks finally on par with Windows and Mac laptops

Android apps that run on phones and tablets can now run on Chromebooks without compromising their speed, simplicity or security.

Android apps that run on phones and tablets can now run on Chromebooks without compromising their speed, simplicity or security. (Google)

Chromebooks have been able to run Android apps for quite some time now, but the process has been complicated and long. Google announced that they'll be bringing the Android Play Store to Chromebooks, effectively bringing the massive portfolio of apps to their laptops.

"We're bringing Google Play (the most popular app store in the world) to Chromebooks. This means you'll be able to download and use Android apps, so you can make a Skype call, work with Office files and be productive offline -- or take a break with games like Minecraft, Hearthstone or Clash of Clans. The same apps that run on phones and tablets can now run on Chromebooks without compromising their speed, simplicity or security. This is good for users and great for developers - in addition to phones and tablets, they will be able to easily bring their apps to laptops. And all this is built on top of Chrome OS, so users will continue to have everything they love in their Chromebooks," said Google in a blog post.

While Chromebooks have been celebrated for their efficiency, price and speed, the lack of apps have inhibited by the lack of apps.

This feature has been a long time coming, considering that Google had already brought several apps like Flipboard to the Chrome OS. With the launch of Play Store on Chrome, most of the Android apps will be available on the Chrome OS.

"We'll keep a list of supported Chromebooks here, and will share news about new models on the Chrome channel on Google Plus and Twitter," said Google.

This new feature finally makes Chromebooks as viable an option as WIndows and Mac OS X computers. However, like the Web Store, if the Play Store makes its way to the Chrome Browser, Chrombooks will be at a disadvantage again. Or maybe not.