Google has revamped the functionality of its Chrome apps, with the ability to launch the apps from a Windows desktop heading the update.

The new apps will also be able to work offline, interact with USB and Bluetooth devices, and be automatically updated.

In the announcement blog post, Erik Kay, engineering director and Chrome app-ologist, said that the new apps for desktop would be available on Windows systems first, with Mac and Linux support in the pipeline.

When a desktop Chrome app is installed, an app launcher will appear in the Windows toolbar to launch the apps.

Chrome apps that have desktop support are available from the "For your desktop" collection in the Chrome Web Store.