Google retiring Chrome apps for Windows, Mac and Linux

How many of you actually use Chrome apps on your computers? Unless it’s running Chrome OS, chances are you don’t. This is why Google is deciding to retire Chrome apps from Windows, Mac and Linux.

The Search Giant claims only 1% of Chrome users utilizing these three operating systems actually take advantage of Chrome apps. This is because this is software created with Chrome OS in mind.

Chromebooks are fast, simple, easy to manage and very convenient, but the lack of applications really made it hard for the platform to grow; then packaged and hosted apps came into the scene. They were a way for Chromebooks to become more useful, and developers were able to have their apps used in multiple platforms.

Their lackluster success in other platforms makes them not worth having around, though. The team believes it’s more valuable to simplify Chrome and lighten the browser. Chrome OS will keep these apps around, even though support for Android apps may take over.

Starting in late 2016, newly-published Chrome apps will only be available to users on Chrome OS. Existing Chrome apps will remain accessible on all platforms, and developers can continue to update them.

In the second half of 2017, the Chrome Web Store will no longer show Chrome apps on Windows, Mac, and Linux, but will continue to surface extensions and themes. In early 2018, users on these platforms will no longer be able to load Chrome apps.

As you can see, it will be a slow process, but the result will ultimately be the same. But do you care? Have any of you been using Chrome apps on Windows, Mac or Linux? I feel like these computers have so much software around that Chrome apps are unnecessary.