Google at I/O 2016 announced Android Instant Apps, a way by which developers can reach the users easily, and the user can get to use and test the app without having to install it. With Instant Apps, a tap on the URL would open it right as an app, even if it is not installed in the device.
This comes in as a good news for both, the developers and the users. For developers, it was always hard to get users to download their apps, and for users, even if they wanted to try out an app before deciding to use it for long, they had to install it and giving permissions was always something they gave a second thought about. Now, previewing the app through Instant Apps doesn’t need all this.
Even better for the developers, it is the same Android App API that can be used, with no extra coding or project needed. There is a little work needed, of course, if you have an app with high complexity. Google Play will then download the parts that are only required to show it to the users. This gives the access to users who are even still using Android Jelly Bean OS.
What happens to the app if it is closed? It is gone, and although Android will have it cached for some time so that you can easily visit it again if you wanted to, but if the space taken is needed by the OS, it will remove the cache. And as expected, there is an Install button on the top right corner of the Instant App preview, so you can install it if you really wanted the app after previewing it.
For learning about it and refining the experience, it will only be BuzzFeed, B&H Photo, Medium, Hotel Tonight, Zumper and Disney apps that will load instantly for now, and later this year, it will be open for everyone.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cosqlfqrpFA
The Apps can be accessed from anywhere – Get people to your flagship Android experience from links that would otherwise open your mobile web page — like search, social media, messaging, and other deep links — without them needing to stop and install your app first.
For now, you can show your interest on the Google Developers site if you want your app to show up as an Instant App. The other announcements at the Google I/O 2016 included Google Home assistant, Duo video chat platform, Allo messenger, Android Wear 2.0, and a lot more.
