Google goes offline with Chrome Apps for Mac

Chrome Apps' roots extend to Chrome OS, the browser-based operating system that an increasing number of computer makers, or OEMs, have used on specialized Chromebook notebook lines. DellDell, for example, announced its first Chromebook Wednesday, and will start selling the 11-in. laptop for less than $300 to educational buyers next month. Alles zu Dell auf CIO.de

Chrome OS and the spin-off Chrome Apps have a tough row to hoe, analysts have said.

"To go consumer mainstream, Google will have to radically add off-line capabilities to Chrome OS," said Patrick Moorhead, principal analyst with Moor Insights & Strategy, in an interview yesterday.

Chrome Apps have another problem: App inventory.

Currently, there is just a handful of Chrome Apps in Google's Chrome Store, the app distribution channel for the packaged apps. While some notable apps exist -- Google's own Keep note-taker, for example, and the Wunderlist to-do application -- there are more holes than filled spots. Chrome Apps are listed in the store section labeled "For Your Desktop."