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 PWA, or progressive web app.
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 6.0 can be used to replace the packaged app now. The PWA version of Spectral Analysis will be available in late September, 2024. The PWA of Instrumental Analysis will not be available until later in 2025.
The terminal versions of the packaged apps will display a banner informing the user of the PWA transition.
Overview
Google will stop supporting Chrome Packaged Apps for ChromeOS.
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
Chromebook Bluetooth connection to Go Direct device fails
Installation for IT professionals
How to deliver Progressive Web Apps to managed ChromeOS devices
What domains need to be allow-listed for Graphical Analysis and Vernier Video Analysis?
Installation for individual users
How to install the Progressive Web App (PWA) version of Graphical Analysis on a Chromebook
If you have questions not answered here, please contact us.