Users only need to have Google Chrome installed

Apr 2, 2015 09:55 GMT  ·  By

Google has extended the support for its ARC Welder app and now Linux users can also run Android apps (APKs) right in their browser, with just the help of a downloadable Chrome app.

The ability to run Android apps without the need to have a device with the operating system is pretty important, and Google has been working for some time on a solution, which is called ARC Welder. The developers have now extended the support for that app to Windows, Mac, Linux, or Chromebook on Chrome Version 40+.

Basically, anyone with a computer will be able to get an APK file and get it running inside the Google Chrome browser with a minimum amount of effort. What's even more interesting is that the app only needs Google Chrome installer, it doesn't need it to run. If you check the background processes, you will notice that a Chrome one is running along with the Arc Welder.

How to install and run Android apps

Users only need to install the latest Google Chrome browser, download the app from the store and run it. It has a simple GUI, and once you load the APK file, it will also be available in the launcher of your system, whatever that may be, like any other regular app.

"The App Runtime for Chrome (Beta), or ARC, lets you run your favorite Android apps on Chrome OS. By following these steps, you can try out the App Runtime for Chrome (Beta) during this Developer Preview.  Open ARC Welder, attach your APK and select your options. Click Launch App to test your app. When testing, file a bug if something doesn't work," wrote the Google devs.

The developers also explained that users should use the tablet for or maximize for the best experience and that it's possible that not all of the Google Services are available as of yet.