"Discovery (i.e., how a user finds apps to install) is an interesting aspect of app stores. In some ways, discovery is not necessary: a significant appeal of the store is that it catalogs all the apps, so if the user is looking for a todo list or Twitter client, it's pretty obvious what to search for. However, that assumes that the user has a specific need in mind already, and is aware that that class of application exists," explains Mihai.
For now, Mihai's extension is just an experiment. The list of supported apps is included in a text file, which is incomplete and has to be updated. One of the advantages of using a static list is that the extension doesn't send your browsing history to a server. Another advantage is that it's much easier to find matches for the sites you've already visited. After installing the extension, a page titled "there's a Web app for that" will suggest some apps for the sites you're visiting frequently.
It's important to mention that the Chrome Web Store only lists official hosted apps. "If your hosted app is listed in the Chrome Web Store, you must prove that you control each domain specified in [the app field]," informs Google. There's a workaround for this, as the unofficial Google Music app shows: linking to a local HTML file that redirects to the app's URL. The Google Music app is a packaged app, not a hosted app, so Mihai's extension doesn't include it.
Right now, most of the apps are just shortcuts and the main benefit is that they're easily accessible from the new tab page. Some apps offer additional features and a small number of apps are actually full-fledged extensions (packaged apps). Google doesn't categorize apps and doesn't inform users if an app works offline.
While I really like the concept, I would personally prefer the indicator to pop up _only_ when the page has a correspondingly more robust app . . . Rather than a bigger-than-a-bookmark-icon, pointing to the page I'm already on. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Alex.
As a follow-up question (which is, admittedly, off-topic), when does everyone think we'll be able to tag Google+ users in Blogger coments, using @ or +?
ReplyDeleteWorks for my app, too :-)
ReplyDeletehttps://www.zeta-uploader.com
Should be a default extension in Chrome.
Seems like a good app but doesn't work here.
ReplyDeletea) a plus indicator does not appear on the address line
b) my apps don't appear on the web page that the app generates.
***Incidentally, readers may enjoy my app which takes you to a hot list of most popular apps, best game apps, etc. Here's the games apps page - https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/lcedphmnlpmkcmhmpejeoalaeljdogia
If Mihai would like to contact me to troubleshoot email is director@chromeosapps.org
It is very easy to using and flexible to every one,thanks a lot of this chrome blog.
ReplyDelete