Google imagines an app-less future with Android Instant Apps
One of the biggest challenges facing developers right now is the simple fact that the vast majority of people just don't download that many new apps.
Google might have a solution: Android Instant Apps, which will allow people to use an app without ever having to download it from the Play Store. Instant Apps are now open to all developers, the company announced Wednesday at its I/O developer conference.
First introduced at last year's I/O, Android Instant Apps essentially let you stream an app from Google's Cloud. To the user, the experience feels the same as using a downloaded app from the Play Store, but everything is accessed via URLs.
Here's what it looks like in action:
Google has been experimenting with the feature for the last year and says developers who have had early access have had a lot of success with the feature.
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For users, Instant Apps offer a few advantages. For one, you can more easily take advantage of apps you may need once or twice without cluttering your home screen. Likewise, if you're worried about device storage, Instant Apps allow you to use a service without worrying about running out of space.
It's also a win for developers because it encourages people to try new apps before they download them. Downloading a new app may not sound like a big hurdle but for new developers, persuading people to try out their services is one of the biggest challenges they face.
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For developers, creating an "instant" version of their app is relatively simple. Instant Apps use the same code as existing Play Store apps with a few adjustments.
Of course, there are some limits on what kinds of apps can be turned into Instant Apps. Google limits Instant Apps to 4MB, so some complex apps may not be easily converted to the format. The company is also still working on ways for games to be available via Instant Apps.
Still, it offers an interesting look at a potentially app-less future.
Karissa was Mashable's Senior Tech Reporter, and is based in San Francisco. She covers social media platforms, Silicon Valley, and the many ways technology is changing our lives. Her work has also appeared in Wired, Macworld, Popular Mechanics, and The Wirecutter. In her free time, she enjoys snowboarding and watching too many cat videos on Instagram. Follow her on Twitter @karissabe.
