One of the most interesting features of Google I/O last year was Instant Apps that indicated a new way to run Android applications without any installation. It’s completely different from the streaming apps functionality that Google introduced in 2015. Android lovers were waiting for this holding their breath.
Android Instant Apps is like a bridge between web apps and native Android applications by allowing users to run specific parts of applications without needing to install the app. Ellie Powers, Google’s Group Project Manager, took to the stage last May at I/O to give us a taste of how it works.
The first wave of Instant Apps will be available “in a limited test,” including BuzzFeed, Periscope, Wish, and Viki. The functionality is available all the way back to Android Jellybean, thanks to being a component of Google Play Services.
A Google Play Services teardown from November revealed that Instant Apps were coming near for public release, and now the time has finally come. But, it’s available to only to a select number of users at the moment. While, some of the devices like Nexus 6P running Android 7.1.1, the Pixel and Pixel XL, running Android 7.1.2, are gaining support for Instant Apps. So the number is quite limited.
You need to check if your device is compatible with Instant Apps with help of below-mentioned instructions. To start enjoying this feature, you need to enable instant apps on your device.
- Open your phone’s Settings menu.
- Scroll down and tap Google under the Personal category.
- Under the Services category, select Instant Apps.
- Tap the toggle on the top-right of the screen.
- Read through the instructions card, then tap Yes, I’m in.
Now you are now ready to search for and use Instant Apps. Currently, there are limited apps available but more applications will be added to the Instant Apps with the passage of time. However, Google claims that thousands of developers are already showing interest in the Instant Apps project, and hopes to grow the experience throughout the year. Instant Apps are said to render in search results for Android users searching Google on a device running Jelly Bean or higher.
How to use
- On your Android device, perform a Google search for one of the supported applications listed above.
- Scroll down and select the app listing that includes the word Instant.
- Tap Open app.
After completing the installation, you can start using the app as any other app downloaded via Google pay store. Overall, the process seems to be quite smooth, at least once the Instant Apps toggle is enabled on your phone. The best thing is that apps are rolling out to users but you need to be patient.
Experts say that future belongs to instant apps as they have the potential to become a huge hit in future, especially the apps under shopping category like wish.
