Chrome OS supports parallel use of Android apps

More multitasking for Chrome OS: Google is now testing the parallel use of multiple Android apps in the beta version of its desktop operating system.

After Google has made its Chromebooks fit for the use of Android apps, now the support for the mobile applications will be further expanded. As reported by the Chrome Unboxed portal, Google is currently testing support for running multiple Android apps in Chrome OS 64 Beta.

Previously, Android applications in Chrome OS were only running one at a time in a separate window. Although several applications could be started at the same time, only one app could be actively used at a time. What makes sense on mobile devices and helps users increase battery life is completely impractical in a desktop environment. Under Windows, Linux or macOS, users are accustomed to working in parallel with any number of active programs. This multitasking capability is also available with the new pre-release version of Chrome OS.

In the attached video, Robby Payne of Chrome Unboxed demonstrates how to use several Android apps simultaneously in the current beta release. For this only the appropriate function had to be activated in the settings of the system. The test device was an Acer Chromebook 15, which was by no means overwhelmed with the execution of several Android applications according to the testers.

Currently it is not yet known when the new feature will be available in the stable version of Chrome OS. How activation of the feature works in the beta is explained to Chromebook users here:

Unlock parallel use of Android apps on Chrome OS
To access the new feature, you must first join the Chrome OS beta program. In the settings under the menu item "About Chrome OS" the build information must be retrieved. There, a change to the beta channel is possible. This is followed by the download of the preliminary system, which is then available after a restart
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Afterwards it is necessary to call in the system settings the entry "Google Playstore". There you will find the usual Android settings. Here, users can now call up the entry "About the device" and activate the developer options from there. Simply click on the build number several times until the corresponding message appears. When you return to the Android settings, the developer options are now available for selection. There, in the bottom entry, the parallel execution of several tasks must be allowed.

Important: When moving to the beta version, all user data will be transferred. However, once a user wants to return to the stable channel from the beta, the device will be completely reset.