Google announced that Chrome OS will now support Android apps natively, and Chromebooks will run them on-screen in their own windows. Notifications from phones and tablets like new messages and low-battery warnings will sync as well.


Chromebook users will enjoy a new level of sync between Chrome OS and Android now. Notifications will appear on both devices natively, without third party apps, so if you're working on a Chromebook and your phone gets a new message or is running low on battery, you'll be notified on your Chrome OS device to check in and do something about it.


You'll also be able to download Android apps directly from Google Play on your Chromebook and use them the same way you would on an Android phone or tablet. On stage, Google reps demonstrated the new feature with Vine for Android phones, then with Flipboard and Evernote for Android tablets. Both run in their own windows, and can run simultaneously, just like any other apps on the Chromebook. The new versions of Google Docs and Spreadsheets will also work in Chrome OS natively.