Here's how to make a desktop client for Google Allo

Now that Google Allo has graced our browsers, we’re finally able to utilize the chat app at a much higher level. And while it’s great to host the application in a browser, it’s often nice to have a separate desktop app to keep some services separate from the hundreds of tabs you probably have open.

Google doesn’t currently offer a physical executable application for Windows, but Google Chrome has functionality which allows you to host your own mini desktop app for any website. Keep in mind the instructions below were tested using a Windows computer, though Linux also allows this functionality.

For those with a Mac? Unfortunately Chrome doesn’t support this feature on Mac OS X. If you own a Mac, we recommend either using something like Applicationize or a script-based work around.

Without further ado, let’s jump in and show you have to make a desktop app for websites like Allo. Just follow these easy steps:

1. Click “Customize and Control Google Chrome”
2. Click “More Tools”
3. Click “Add to Desktop” and select “Open in Window”

From here you’ll be able to open Allo as an application separate from Google Chrome, and it will even get rid of the header of the page to really make it feel like it’s own web app. Optionally, you can right click on the application and select “Pin to taskbar” to keep the app in your field of view at all times. This way you’re able to open the app up at any time as well.

Are you excited about Allo for web? I personally think this was one of the key things the app needed to succeed, and having a desktop app makes it even better.