Google Play Store ready for testing on the Pixel and Acer R 11 Chromebooks

Google has announced at its Google I/O conference that the Play Store will soon be compatible with current Chromebooks and is currently in the Developer testing phase on select models. One of the first new models to ship with Play Store compatibility is the Asus Chromebook Flip, but two more have now made it onto the list with the Chromebook Pixel and the Acer Chromebook R 11.

Owners of any of these three Chromebooks must switch the unit to Developer Channel and then install Chrome OS version 53. The Play Store app will then appear on the task bar for users to shop, search, and download apps as if on a regular Android smartphone or tablet. Of course, most existing Android apps were not designed with Chromebooks in mind, so compatibility is not guaranteed. More Chromebooks are expected to be added onto the list over time for Play Store testing.

From our own preview of the Acer Chromebook R 11, some Android apps will run smoothly and without any major hitches including 3D games like N.O.V.A. 3. Others that depend on sensors like accelerometers will not run correctly if the hardware is absent while Chromebooks with no touchscreen controls must rely on pointing and clicking with the touchpad. Some apps do not launch at all including 3DMark, Epic Citadel, and some benchmarks. Expect our full review on the Acer Chromebook R 11 once the software passes the testing phase and becomes available for public use.

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