14 DAY TRIAL // Google Chrome does come with a Windows 8 mode that allows users to launch it in the Modern UI, but a dedicated version of ARM tablets is currently available.
However, third-party developers are trying to capitalize on the popularity of Google Chrome with fake apps that try to trick people into believing that they are downloading the real deal, when they're instead getting a useless program which does basically nothing.
This is the case with “GoogleChrome,” a new app that showed up in the store today, claiming to teach you how to install the browser on your Windows 8.1 computer.
Here's the description published in the store:
“this app is a complete guide of that web browser and the news of new releases ofgoogle chrome and tricks video lectures of installing and running the browser and the easy steps how to make the browser more efficient and interesting.”
Spelling mistakes and typos are among the first signs which should indicate that this isn't the real Chrome app, and so is the lack of screenshots, which only show the app running on the desktop environment.
The only good thing is that it doesn't cost anything, so you can always download GoogleChrome for Windows 8 without actually spending a single cent for it. And still, it's still a sign that quantity is much more important than quality these days at Microsoft.
This isn't the first time when we're reporting such apps and we've already contacted Microsoft for some comments on this. The company told us that it's aware that some apps aren't exactly what we're expecting and said that it's working to remove them from the store.
“We strive to make the Windows Store an excellent experience for Windows 8 users. We routinely review apps based on performance, ratings and user reviews and take steps to remove apps if they do not meet our certification guidelines. We are aware of the issue and are actively removing apps that offer little value or confuse customers, and will continue evaluating our submission process to make sure Windows offers the highest quality app catalog available,” the company said.
“With regards to trademark infringement, with every app there is an option to report the app for violating the Windows Store’s Terms of Use. If a company feels a Windows Store app is infringing on their copyrights or trademarks, they should report the app and we will take immediate action to determine if the app should be removed from the Windows Store.”
So next time you are planning to download a Windows 8 app that looks too good to be true, just make sure you check its description, screenshot, and developer time twice before anything else.