Google is testing out something that would even make its search much more comprehensive. In a post, Jennifer Lin who is a Google engineering manager said they were going to include information found within an app to its search results. This simply means that before this announcement you couldn’t see results from an app yu didn’t even have installed. You’re also going to start seeing an option to “stream” some apps you don’t have installed, right from Google Search, provided you’re on good Wifi. For example, with one tap on a “Stream” button next to the HotelTonight app result, you’ll get a streamed version of the app, so that you can quickly and easily find what you need, and even complete a booking, just as if you were in the app itself. And if you like what you see, installing it is just a click away. This uses a new cloud-based technology that we’re currently experimenting with said Ms. Lin. This is essence could mean less installed apps on your Android device. Who needs an app when you can actually access all you need within the app from a simple Google search?
Why this?
Google says about 40% of searches done via its search engine turn up content from mobile apps like Instagram, Twitter and of course the likes of Facebook and Pinterest. But until now, Google only showed information from apps which had a matching we content. So starting 18th November, Google will now show you some app-first content. This makes sense because not all great apps actually have a corresponding web presence.
In one way, this could make some app owners quite pleased and in another, it could anger some people because it could signal less install for some apps.
This new service will be available via Google’s search app or its Chrome app for Android and is not open to iOS users. You also need fast Wi-Fi and must be running Android Lollipop or more recent versions. This test is only available in the United states and is likely to spread to other regions soon.
Streamed versions of apps are available via Google’s own app but not Chrome for Android but all these could change to allow a wider usage in future possibly after the experimental stages. Users must also be on a fast wi-fi connection and be using a handset running Android Lollipop or a more recent version. Lollipop was released in November 2014.
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For example, with one tap on a “Stream” button next to the HotelTonight app result, you’ll get a streamed version of the app, so that you can quickly and easily find what you need, and even complete a booking, just as if you were in the app itself. And if you like what you see, installing it is just a click away. This uses a new cloud-based technology that we’re currently experimenting with said Ms. Lin. This is essence could mean less installed apps on your Android device. Who needs an app when you can actually access all you need within the app from a simple Google search?
