Googlebook Ships Without Slack PWA Support on Day One
Googlebook is now shipping, but installing the Slack web app as a progressive web app fails with an error, according to 9to5Google.
Googlebook is now on sale and shipping to customers, but on launch day users cannot install the Slack web app as a progressive web app on the device, according to 9to5Google. Attempting the installation produces an error stating the app cannot be installed.
A workaround exists: users can create a Chrome tab shortcut to Slack. However, the shortcut does not open in a window, so it behaves differently from an installed PWA.
The Slack Android app is also affected. When trying to download it, the Play Store displays a banner saying Slack is better on the website.
The problem appears to be specific to Slack. Other progressive web apps tested on Googlebook, including Photopea, Squoosh, and SnapDrop, work fine.
At its core, Googlebook OS is Android and runs native Android apps plus progressive web apps, similar to Chromebooks. 9to5Google has reached out to Google for more information.
Quick answers
Can you install Slack as a PWA on Googlebook?
No. On launch day, attempting to install the Slack web app as a progressive web app on Googlebook produces an error stating the app cannot be installed.
Is there a workaround for using Slack on Googlebook?
Yes. Users can create a Chrome tab shortcut to Slack, but it does not open in a window.
Do other PWAs work on Googlebook?
Yes. Other PWAs tested, including Photopea, Squoosh, and SnapDrop, work fine on Googlebook.