Google’s new Android could revolutionize the way you get your apps

Android Instant Apps

Google wants to make it easier to access apps by cutting out the middleman — the apps themselves. To do that, the company is developing what it calls Android Instant Apps.

During a stage demo, Google demonstrated some Instant Apps in action. The premise behind the feature is to allow you to quickly enter an app via a URL without actually having to download the app to your phone.

So if your friend sends you a link to a video on BuzzFeed Video, you can simply tap it, and Instant Apps will automatically open the BuzzFeed Video app and play the video. That works even if the app isn’t installed on your particular device.

Android Instant Apps functions by cutting apps down into small modules. When you tap on a URL, the Google Play store will quickly download the pieces of a particular app you need to view the content you’re trying to get to. So it’s never grabbing the full app.

This technology could make life easier since you won’t have to download a bunch of apps just to view a video or article your friend sent to you. It will also save space on your device.

Of course, Instant Apps won’t replace regular apps, as they don’t seem to offer the full functionality of standard apps and require an internet connection to work.

Google is working with a handful of developers to create Instant Apps — including BuzzFeed, B&H Photo, Medium and others.

You can expect to see Instant Apps begin rolling out later this year.

Email Daniel at dhowley@yahoo-inc.com; follow him on Twitter at @DanielHowley.