During the Chrome and Chrome OS keynote at Google I/O, Rovio announced that they are bringing Angry Birds to the Chrome Web Store, the Chrome browser’s equivalent to the Apple AppStore or Android Marketplace. On its own, this doesn’t seem like a big deal, Angry Birds has been available for PC platforms since Intel launched its AppUp store for netbook applications.
What sets this version apart, however, is that it runs entirely within your Chrome browser. Two clicks on the Chrome Web Store, and it appears in your applications list ready to run (it’s also FREE). Additionally, Rovio has implemented Google’s recently announced in-app payment solution, which makes it extremely easy to purchase additional content without breaking the user out of the experience. This means that 2 platforms (Chrome and iOS) now have the ability to summon the Mighty Eagle, decimating all piggies.
Rovio has also chosen to utilize both game technologies available in Chrome OS: canvas/overlay and WebGL. Canvas is the older technology, and doesn’t allow for play in high resolution. WebGL is able to leverage your computer’s GPU, allowing for higher resolution and better frame rates. WebGL will also allow for much higher-end games to be available right in your browser (not holding my breath for Battlefield 3, however).
Finally, Rovio has added a set of levels just for users of the Chrome Web App. As of this writing, I haven’t unlocked them, myself. I will update this post when I have finally cracked it open.
Hopefully, the launch of Angry Birds (pun only partially intended) is a signal of more WebGL content coming soon.
No Comments