Retiring the Chrome app launcher

gjacobse

The app launcher makes Chrome apps easy to open outside the browser, but we’ve found that users on Windows, Mac, and Linux prefer to launch their apps from within Chrome. With Chrome’s continued emphasis on simplicity and streamlining browser features, the launcher will be removed from those platforms. It will remain unchanged on Chrome OS.

scottalanmiller

Never even knew that they made this.

Dashrender

me either.

gjacobse

Well,... now you know. And you know that is half the battle...

Dashrender

@gjacobse said:

Well,... now you know. And you know that is half the battle...

GI Joe!

Had to be done.

travisdh1

Apparently I'll be the only one to miss it.

Brett

@travisdh1 I'm right there with you.

I became used to it on my Chromebook, so I have the Chrome App Launcher mapped to my CapsLock key in Windows via AutoHotKey.

I found it rather convenient because I could hit CapsLock, type gm, hit Enter, and bam I'm in Gmail. It's like using Windows' start menu, just for Chrome apps. I probably have 10 of them or so - Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Keep, Photos, Play Music, Signal, Keeper, YouTube.

Oh well, guess I'll have to figure out the next easiest method to open those.

stacksofplates

@travisdh1 said:

Apparently I'll be the only one to miss it.

No if was kind of nice. I used it for some of the chrome apps.

bbigford

@scottalanmiller said:

Never even knew that they made this.

It had a cult following. I initially thought it was garbage. Absolutely no reason to hate it other than it took up precious bookmark space. It soon grew on me. Also available as a standalone app within Windows.
0_1458917448160_chrome app.jpg

Brett

According to their blog you can still use chrome://apps. But that appears to be a touch only interface.

Does anyone know of an alternative that allows for searching your apps by typing?