Google is working on a new way for people to run apps that they only need for a short amount of time. Called Android Instant Apps, the feature allows users to access apps in the same manner they would visit webpages; without the need to download the whole app. Which could also save some storage space as the app would only exist temporarily.
All users have to do is tap on a mobile link, which will take them to a reduced version of the connected app. The operating system will then only download and run the pieces of the app that are needed at the moment, skipping the need to install anything. This, in theory, allows the app to open instantly and provide content faster.
The feature will apparently use a deep link to the code required to display the chosen content; allowing it to skip the rest of the app. Naturally, this requires developers to design their apps in a modular way to work with the requirements of Android Instant Apps.
Interestingly, Android Instant Apps is backwards compatible all the way back to Android Jelly Bean; although there are currently very few apps that can actually take advantage of this feature.
Google will be rolling the development programme out to select developers from today, although the company did not say when it would be widespread. Several developers are already working on Android Instant Apps, and there should be some content available for regular users later this year.
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