Google Launches Chrome Packaged Apps

Google has announced the release of Chrome version 22 to developers. The exciting thing about this version is Chrome Packaged apps: a mechanism which allows web applications to behave much more like native applications, blurring the lines between the two. Packaged apps are installed for offline use by default and also open up new low-level system APIs, unlocking access to TCP/IP, Bluetooth and USB.

New “typed data” sources also give developers new tools to interact with photos, music and other content.

Here’s more from Erik Kay, Engineering Manager, Chrome Division:

 

Interestingly, the blog talks about the new features in v22.0.1207.1, yet on my machine it has already been up-rev’d to v22.0.1210.0…