One of the complaints we often hear is that Chromebooks are "just a browser." The UI of Chrome OS often re-enforces that feeling. Many of the web apps we use in Chrome OS are as powerful as native applications, but maybe don’t feel like “real” programs. Did you know that anything that runs in Chrome CAN run in a stand-alone window which makes the web app feel like a native app?
It is as simple as hitting the More (3-dot) menu > More Tools > Add to Shelf > Open As Window. This simple step will pin the app to your Shelf AND when you click on it, it will open as a separate window without the omnibox and other browser paraphernalia.
It is as simple as hitting the More (3-dot) menu > More Tools > Add to Shelf > Open As Window. This simple step will pin the app to your Shelf AND when you click on it, it will open as a separate window without the omnibox and other browser paraphernalia.
To launch your "new" app, just select it from the Shelf, and it will open as a stand-alone window.
With an app in a separate window, everything just feels a little more robust. Sure, it is really just a visual cue, but it looks nice and allows for easy app switching, much like on the other desktop platforms.
With an app in a separate window, everything just feels a little more robust. Sure, it is really just a visual cue, but it looks nice and allows for easy app switching, much like on the other desktop platforms.