Full Breakdown
Chrome 155 Expands Web-App Installation on Googlebooks
By Drooid · · How we work
Expanded Installation Capability
Previously, only sites with a dedicated web-app manifest could be installed; other pages opened as regular tabs. The update now lets users select Save and share -> Install and create shortcut from the Chrome menu, or tap an Install button that appears at the address-bar top-right on supported sites.
Step-by-Step Installation Guidance
Google’s rollout instructions advise users to remove any pre-existing browser-tab shortcuts before reinstalling a page with the new method. The guidance is captured verbatim:
> “If you previously created a browser-tab shortcut for a website prior to this update, remove the old shortcut first and re-install the page using the steps above.” — Google
After selecting Install, users follow on-screen prompts to complete the process. The newly created app appears in the launcher, where it can be pinned to the taskbar or homescreen for quick access.
Integrated Account and Extension Support
Installed web apps now share the user’s Google Account login, cookies, site permissions, and any browser extensions already enabled in Chrome. This unified environment aims to provide a seamless experience across web and app contexts on Googlebooks devices.
Settings UI Redesign
Chrome 155 also changes the Settings interface from a fullscreen layout—common on mobile—to a separate tab. This adjustment allows users to reference web pages while tweaking settings without leaving the current view.
Rollout Status
Version 155.0.8059.79 is being distributed through the Play Store on Googlebooks, with early adopters reporting the update on all their devices. The changes reflect Google’s response to community feedback that the prior “conscious design choice” limited web-app adoption on the platform.