Instant Apps on Android N

3749

10

2016-06-01 19:24

Descending
Author
Edited by brian_rodrigues at 2016-06-01 17:10

 

Android N, Google’s newest version of its mobile software system, is expected to come jampacked with new features, some of which are quite exciting. There’s the dedicated VR platform that could make the still-niche tech more accessible for everyone; split-screen mode to run two apps at once for true multi-tasking; Doze-on-the-go for better battery management; and improved notification shade that lets users respond to messages directly from the panel without opening an app.

But the most useful new function might just be "Instant Apps". This feature allows users to quickly “stream” parts of an app without downloading the thing. So now instead of having to download the app from the Google Play store, then back out to the home screen to open the app, then sign up, etc, we could now click on a link provided by the website and immediately go to a pop-up page that is part of the app and sign up there.


 

At its recent I/O developer conference, Google showed off the function with a Buzzfeed video — a click at a link immediately took the phone to a video played within the Buzzfeed app, even though the phone doesn’t have the full app installed. They pop up really fast, too. Not quite “instant” as Google markets, but just a few seconds.

The possibilities of such a feature are unlimited. But then of course, app developers have to build this feature into their apps — they basically have to modularize their apps into little bits that each offer a specific function — and it could take a bit of time before it’s widely used. But it will happen — especially from big companies who want as many people using their services as possible.

With all these great new features looks like Andoid N would indeed be exciting for all.

1 2