Google to offer more "instant" app previews this year
On the back of releasing Android Pie, Google, among other things, is now looking to improve engagement between its massive developer community and end-users by offering "instant" app previews for users. Improved app quality and better security features are also on the company's agenda as it looks to re-evaluate and strengthen its Android platform. Here's what we know about it.
Play Store has seen significant improvements over 12 months
The decision comes on the back of major improvements to the Google Play Store. In a blog post, Purnima Kochikar, the director of Google Play, Apps & Games, revealed that year-long work on the Google Play Store had resulted in a 65% decrease in app sizes, a reduced crash rate of 70%, and a 30% increase in visits to Google's Play Store.
Google is looking to make the "Instant" feature more prevalent
To help its app developer community engage more frequently and directly with its audience, Google is looking to make its Google Play Instant feature more prevalent. Launched last year, Google Play Instant allows users to try an app on Play Store itself without installing it. The feature is currently available for some games like Clash Royale, Final Fantasy XV: A New Empire, Solitaire etc.
Google is also working on expanding its commerce platform
Additionally, Google is also looking to expand its commerce platform. As of now, Google already collects payments on Play Store in over 150 countries, and this year, it has been focusing on expanding its Play Store-based commercial operations in Africa and Latin America, with launches in Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Peru and Colombia. Furthermore, it has added seller support in 18 markets.
Google wants independent app developers to be happy and secure
Additionally, Google is employing machine learning models and techniques to eliminate security threats and malware from the Play Store. With the success of Google's Play Store largely depending upon independent app developers bring new, innovative products into the Android ecosystem, it makes sense that Google is trying to give them more control, better feedback mechanisms, and peace of mind.
