Andrew Heinzman
Google is testing a new Chrome Web Store feature that lets you remotely install desktop browser extensions from your phone. The feature is functional on Windows computers, though Google hasn’t fully implemented the mobile version of its Chrome Web Store.
While most people won’t benefit from this feature, it’s certainly neat. It could help you quickly set up tools like 1Password or Evernote on all your devices without leaving your phone. And if you own a Chromebook, you could use this feature to remotely add dedicated web apps to your desktop.
Review Geek
To test this feature, simply open your Chrome mobile app on Android and activate “Desktop” view from the menu (the three dots up top). Then, navigate to the Chrome Web Store and select an extension. Turn off “Desktop” view, and viola, you can now tap the “Add to Desktop” button to beam an extension to your PC’s Chrome browser.
Without activating “Desktop” view, the Chrome Web Store will refuse to work on your phone. That said, some Reddit users report seeing a mobile version of the Chrome Web Store homepage. (We weren’t able to trigger the mobile Chrome Web Store, unfortunately.)
We’re going to continue testing this feature and will update this article with any new information. Feel free to email me at andrew@reviewgeek.com if you test the Chrome Web Store on mobile and find anything interesting.
