In a major development concerning tech enthusiasts, Zoom for Chromebooks is set to lose support in August 2022. According to a recent report 9to5google, Chromebooks are about to stop supporting the Zoom app, As of the publication, the Zoom app for Chromebook currently displays a message that reads, “This app will no longer be officially supported after August 2022. Please join the meeting on ChromeOS to join the meeting on the new Zoom for Chrome PWAs.” use.” It is pertinent to mention here that the application has been available for use since many years.
Chromebook users can still access the service through Zoom PWA
However, this does not mean that Chromebook users will not be able to use Zoom. The video conferencing platform launched a Progressive Web app for Chromebooks last year. Over time, Zoom has also released some significant updates to its PWAs, adding a slew of useful features to Chromebooks, including background blur. Essentially, the Zoom Progressive web app does not require high-end hardware and hence, provides a seamless experience to Chromebook users.
This development originated in 2020 when Google announced that it would be shutting down the old Chrome application on all platforms, following which, Windows and Mac lost support last year. When Google disables apps on Chrome OS, developers will no longer be able to provide updates and existing apps will become private – the Chrome Web Store will delist these apps.
Key highlights of Zoom PWA
- Customizable gallery view (on supported machines)
- Self-selected breakout rooms
- live transcription
- Live translation (with assigned interpreters)
- A new background masking feature for privacy
- hand raised and meeting response
How to Use Zoom PWA on Chromebook?
The new PWA can be installed from the Google Play store (click the link, or search for ‘Zoom PWA’ or ‘Zoom for Chrome PWA’ in the Play Store), and it appears as an application on Chrome OS devices. Download the app, then log in or join the meeting. Users can also install the new app directly from their web browser navigation bar as well as through central admin management. Stay tuned for more updates on Zoom, the Zoom Progressive Web Application and other related tech news and developments.