This post is for educators and IT professionals who use and administer Chromebooks.
Users exclusively of other operating systems do not face this transition. The apps Graphical Analysis, Spectral Analysis, and Instrumental Analysis are affected by this change.
Google has notified users that Chrome Packaged Apps downloaded from the Chrome Web Store, such as Graphical Analysis, will no longer be supported starting in 2025. This means that users must transition to a different version of the apps known as a progressive web app or PWA.
We have been preparing for this transition for some time, and have previously published a number of guides and explainers. We collect them here as a starting place for those just learning about PWAs, and will add information as we learn of experiences of our users.
This transition is potentially disruptive to unprepared educational programs. It is possible that packaged apps will work one day, and then after a ChromeOS update, cease working.
We suggest that you begin testing use of the PWA in your environment now. While Google has delayed the retirement of Packaged Apps several times (first scheduled for 2021) they seem to be on track for a 2025 removal of this app type.
The PWA for Graphical Analysis and Spectral Analysis can be used now. The PWA version of Instrumental Analysis will be available late-spring or early-summer 2025.
The terminal versions of the packaged apps will display a banner informing the user of the PWA transition.
Overview
- What is the difference between a Progressive Web App and an installed version of Graphical Analysis and other Vernier apps?
- Google has stopped supporting Chrome Packaged Apps for Chromebooks.
Day-to-day use
- How do I connect USB sensors to the Progressive Web App version of Graphical Analysis?
- How do I connect Bluetooth sensors to the Progressive Web App version of Graphical Analysis?
- Local Data Sharing is not available in the Progressive Web App version of Graphical Analysis
Troubleshooting
Installation for IT professionals
- How to deliver Progressive Web Apps to managed ChromeOS devices
- What domains need to be allow-listed for Graphical Analysis, Spectral Analysis, and Vernier Video Analysis?
- What browser permissions are required to allow USB devices to connect to Vernier Progressive Web Apps?
Installation for individual users
- Chromebooks must run the Graphical Analysis Progressive Web App
- Chromebooks must run the Spectral Analysis Progressive Web App
- Can I install a Progressive Web App, such as Graphical Analysis, on a Chromebook?
If you have questions not answered here, please contact us.