Over the years Google has branched out to multiple domains, so the fact that it has several laptop options available, is not really a surprise, but which are the 6 best Google apps for Chromebook?
Once a “simple” search engine, Google has expanded over the years in a massive way. Nowadays, its name is linked to phones, the most used mobile operating system, to one of the most used browsers in the world, to the most used video website, to apps that are life savers. Sure, some of them weren’t exactly built by Google, but they were created by companies that were later purchased by the tech giant that nowadays goes for Alphabet Inc. just to simplify things a bit.
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After all, having Google purchase companies like Nest, handling home automation, or getting involved with Calico, which is health related, has made plenty of people question just what this Internet company was doing. Now it’s all a lot easier since Alphabet simply includes companies under multiple activity domains, including Google and its subdomains – Android, Search, YouTube, Apps, Maps, and Ads.
Google Chromebook is a laptop that runs Chrome OS. Designed with a primary focus of being used while connected to the Internet, Chromebook isn’t exactly a laptop like all others since it focuses on a cloud-based storage rather than internal storage space. Announced back in 2011 and introduced a year later, the Chromebook has built its own fanbase over the years, with multiple versions being released by the company. One of the most recent updates that has fans quite excited involved allowing Android applications to be available to run on supported Chromebooks via the famous Google Play Store.
You could also take a look and read about the 6 best Google apps for business if you’re interested in finding out more about the solutions Google has for bigger groups.
That being said, the Chromebook is a great device for those who spend most of their time by on the Internet looking for this and that. On that note, let’s see which are the 6 best Google apps for Chromebooks.
6. Gmail
We have to start our list of best Google apps for Chromebook with Gmail, right? Because this is one of the most used emailing services in the world and because it’s quite likely you have an address too. Nowadays, with Google’s system in place, everything is so much easier when it comes to connecting to various services since you only need to input your name and password once before gaining access to everything. This is annoying to some and awesome for others, but regardless of the side you’re on you have to admit that it does save up a lot of time and a good portion of your sanity since you don’t have to remember a gazillion passwords anymore.
So, the Gmail app gives users all the features they normally have when accessing their email via their browser. There are the tabs that you can customize, the pop out messaging box, the contact list which you can message with and so on.
5. Photos
One of the coolest features Google has nowadays is Photos. A mix of its own service and the defunct Picasa, Photos that ranks 5th in our list of best Google apps for Chromebook, offers users quite a few options. On top of having the benefit of being able to access photos taken with a device connected to your account from anywhere, there is more to see. You can search for photos containing dogs for instance, if you want to search for your puppy, or type in a blue hat and you’ll find it easier to spot those pics in an instant.
Then, there’s the Photos assistant, which reminds you each day of photos you took in previous years, presenting you with a cute collage and inviting you to rediscover the day. This is also the place where you’ll find those automated animations, videos, and collages Google creates from photos and videos you take. You can also make these on your own if you desire, and Google provides you with all the tools you need and easy access to your entire archive.
Furthermore, there’s also the Albums area of Photos where you’ll find the albums you’ve created, as well as those Google put together in the blink of an eye after you took gazillion photos visiting the Zoo with the kids, for instance. You can also check specific albums such as those you’ve shared, or pictures grouped by the place they were taken, or see videos only and so on.
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4. Movies
Let’s be honest here. On top of work, there’s a lot of time spent and/or wasted watching various movies that may or may not be worth it in the end. Well, to make your life easier Google has created Google Play Movies that ranks 4th in our list of best Google apps for Chromebook. This app allows users to get access to the movies and TV series they’ve purchased on their accounts. It’s easy to navigate, and it’s easy to pick up where you left off if you get interrupted.
There’s also the fact that you can always purchase more content with just the click of a button. Google will give you the chance to see which New Releases are in, and which movies are at the top of the charts so you can make your choices while being in the know. Filtering by genre is also a life saver.
Alternatively, you could also install Netflix and also take advantage of the titles there.
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3. Music
Who doesn’t listen to music, eh? Well, with Google Play Music that ranks 3rd in our list of best Google apps for Chromebook, you’ll be able to check out the latest releases, purchase new tracks and albums, and more. You can listen to the tracks you’ve added to the list or let Google randomly pick the song for you. On top of the page where you can see more about the songs and artists you’re listening to, the app provides access to your complete library and the online shop where you can spend even more money on even more music.
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2. Work
Let’s be honest here for a second and admit that Google Chromebook isn’t exactly a gaming laptop. At least not in the sense that we’re used to with big games taking countless percentages of our storage space and so on. This is a lightweight laptop that makes it easy for you to work wherever you are, continue even when you’re offline and have everything backed up the second you’re once more connected to the Internet. If you go on and work on a different device, that’s ok too since it gets updated, so you’re always checking the latest data.
Well, Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides are all available at the touch of a button on Chromebook. These are particularly useful to those who want to get some work done on the go without having to install additional software. Not like Microsoft Office even works on Chrome OS, but you get the point. Of course, there are ways to open such files if you have to, so there’s that. What’s even better about the Google Suite is that it’s backed up in the cloud, you can pick up work from a different device within seconds, and it’s all free. And now, let’s see the number one in our list of best Google apps for Chromebook.
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1. Games
Sure, we said this isn’t a gaming computer, and we meant it, but that doesn’t mean you can’t play lightweight stuff on it, like from the Chrome Web Store. Whether you like arcade games, puzzles or role-playing games, there are plenty of titles to keep you occupied for at least a while. You can pick games that are free or make sure to see those that are available for Android too, since you might want to play on your phone too, picking up where you left off. There’s also the option to check out only the games that run offline, which is quite beneficial if you sometimes like to spend time offline. Ha! We’re kidding. It’s for those times when you’re on the train, and the Internet is so bad you’d just rather have it stop altogether. Far are the days of the dial-up, aren’t they? No one has the patience for those buffering icons anymore.
Back to the games that ranked first in our list of best Google apps for Chromebook, however. You can also put your trust in other people’s judgment and check out games and apps by their ratings, narrowing down only the coolest apps.
There’s also the fact that you can install Android apps on your Chromebook. Thus far, only a handful of Chromebooks is compatible with Google Play, but updates are coming, and it shouldn’t be long before you have access to the full catalog. There are methods to get this done right this instant, but we won’t elaborate since they’re not necessarily safe before Google pushes the updates properly, but if you’re adamant about it and search the Internet for a few seconds, you’ll be able to find a few guidelines. You’ve been warned, however!
So, if you own a Chromebook and you’re a bit bummed about what you can and what you can’t install, just keep in mind that you should be quite happy with this light version laptop since there are plenty of things you can do with these 6 best Google apps for Chromebook.
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