MOUNTAIN VIEW: Google has started up a portal for downloading extensions and web applications to its Chrome internet browser.
The Chrome Web Store splits apps into nine themed categories, including games, education, news and services, reports the company.
The download site can only be accessed via the Google browser. Users of other browser systems are urged to download and install Chrome if they try to access the store.
The expansions and applications have been designed with an eye toward the new HTML5 web standard. The Themes area includes guidelines for setting the graphical interface of a browser to reflect one's personal choices.
The store also gives software designers the chance to sell or give away their wares. The new portal replaces the gallery where users have, until now, bought apps for Chrome. According to Google, the number of Chrome users tripled this year to 120 million.