Google Experiments with a New Streaming Service to Amplify Search Experience, Potential Decrease in App Install Rate Feared

Google, the technology giant, is reportedly experimenting with a remarkable feature that could potentially streamline its search capabilities. As disclosed by Jennifer Lin, a Google engineering manager, in a blog post, the new feature integrates information from various apps into Google search results.

Up until now, the inability to display results from an app you haven’t installed has been a significant limitation. With Google’s latest initiative, you’ll start to see an option to “stream” some apps you don’t have installed, right from Google Search, all under the provision of a stable Wi-Fi connection.

In a practical sense, imagine tapping the “Stream” button next to the HotelTonight app result: you’d be presented with a fully-functional, streamed version of the app. This would enable you to quickly locate desirable information, or even complete a booking, just as if you were navigating through the app on your own. The speedy and seamless integration makes installing the app just a click away; an impressive leap forward using a cloud-based technology that Google is presently experimenting with.

This evolutionary change could possibly result in a decrease of installed apps on your Android device. With the ability to access all you need from the app via a simple Google search, do we really need to install these apps anymore?

What Prompted this Pursuit?

Approximately 40% of the searches made on Google’s search engine yield content from popular mobile apps such as Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and others. Until recently, Google only displayed information from apps with corresponding web content. However, beginning 18th November, Google has updated to exhibit app-first content, thereby increasing the relevance and applicability of search results, as not all useful apps have a significant web presence.

While this development may be celebrated by app developers and end-users appreciating a seamless digital experience, it may be less advantageous for those wanting to boost their app install rate.

This cutting-edge service will be accessible via Google’s search app or its Chrome app for Android, leaving iOS users awaiting its integration. To enjoy this service, a robust Wi-Fi connection is essential, also required is an Android version Lollipop or newer. For now, the test is exclusively available in the United States, but is expected to rollout to other regions soon.

Streamed versions of apps are currently available via Google’s own app-but not on Chrome-for Android, a disparity that may likely change after the experimental stage. The prerequisite for users remains: a fast wi-fi connection, and Android device running on Lollipop or a more recent version. Let’s remember, Lollipop was released in the not-so-distant year of 2014; it’s exciting to wonder what’s coming with the flow of time!

A significant update, Google’s venture into app-streaming is a testament to the continuous evolution in the digital sphere where the line between different platforms is getting increasingly blurred. It raises the exciting prospect of a new era where the physical installation of apps may become obsolete, paving the way for cloud-based interactions. This experiment shines a spotlight on the true capabilities of Google’s future endeavors and how they could shape the dynamic landscape of digital consumerism.