If Google’s announcement about the Chrome Web App Store got you curious, you can check out the Chrome Dev channel (aka Chrome Unstable) for a sneak preview. Be warned, this will install the unstable version of Chrome on your computer so you will say goodbye to the reliability you currently have with the stable version of Chrome but if like me, you are impatient and can’t wait to see it, it’s worth it.

Check out the “loading installable web apps” section in the Developer’s Guide to find out how to install web apps (basically, using “extensions”). Also, to find out web apps to install, check out the Chromium Apps Discussion Group where developers post their apps for feedback (also, if you’re a developer, this is the group to join to keep up to date with this).

The basic principle behind this is to help users find the web apps they use. However, the apps are normal web apps and there is no need to redesign or redeploy an app for this, all the extra work for the developer is restricted to adding a meta data file + icon to make the app “installable”. The Chrome App Store will also offer an easy way for users to find the app that suits their needs, whether it is a free or a paid app.

I’m expecting this will drive even more web developers towards HTML5 and CSS3, two powerful and open source tools to develop complex and user-responsive web apps. As a user, I am excited at the prospect of having a place where to go to look for a new app (or simply browse through the apps to see what’s out there). As a developer, I am hoping this will open up new opportunities for innovation.