ARC Welder Status Update

In August 2016, Google announced that they would be "removing support for packaged and hosted apps from Chrome on Windows, Mac, and Linux over the next two years." As was widely expected, the first 2018 release of Google Chrome (version 63) no longer supports ARC Welder. This applies to the Google browser on Windows and to ChromeBooks.

For those using Windows machines, it is still possible to install and run ARC Welder by using Google Chrome Portable version 62 or earlier. Download and install Google Chrome Portable 62, then install ARC Welder from the Chrome Web Store as before. It is likely that ARC Welder will soon be removed from the Web Store, so prompt action is advisable if this is your chosen solution.

Alternative methods for testing Android apps are:

• download APKs via QR code to an Android device, typically a small tablet
• connect App Inventor to an Android device over wifi using the AI2 Companion App
• run an Android emulator for Windows such as Nox or BlueStacks

The preferred method is to use Android tablets, as this gives students the most engaging experience, allows the use of all sensors and media capabilities, and is typically the most reliable method, requiring only that the tablets have an Internet connection. A ratio of one tablet between four to six students is sufficient: suitable tablets are available from €60.