Back to Google IO in 2016, Google announced Android 7.0 Nougat and a new feature called Instant Apps . Which allows our smartphones and tablets to use and enjoy apps without installing them. After a short wait, some users are finally seeing this feature. In this guide, we will explain how to enable Android instant apps on Nougat.
The idea behind this is simple. Users can temporarily install and use Android apps directly from a web search or shared link, without ever downloading the app.
Giving us full access to beautiful design, interface, performance and more without the user having to install it. This is not a web-optimized version of the app, but a complete broken down experience at the push of a button.
Google introduced Android Instant Apps on stage, but confirmed they wouldn't arrive until 2017 with Android 7.0 Nougat. Well, now that many are using Android 7.1.2 Nougat and such, this feature is starting to show up in search results.
Popular apps like Wish, the shopping app, have already started taking advantage of instant apps. We can search for something to buy, use the Wish app, and make a purchase within seconds using their well-designed app. The phone installs what it needs, then removes it when you're done.
It's the evolution of Android and the way we use apps. Instead of filling our phone and storage space with apps, everything happens on the fly. If you were excited about this new feature, here are the steps to enable it on select Nexus smartphones or tablets, as well as Google Pixel and Pixel XL.
How to Enable Android Instant Apps
Until recently, this feature was being tested by Google with users left out. However, we are now seeing some apps like Wish and potentially others that already offer it. Google featured it on Wish, BuzzFeed, Viki and Periscope.
It should work on most smartphones or tablets that run Android 7.0 Nougat. Not just Nexus or Pixel phones. Or it will be soon. All you need to do is enable Android Instant Apps in Settings under the Google tab and browse the web.
Other details
Our image above shows you exactly what to look for, where it is, and what to expect. Once the owners go to Google and activate Instant Apps, you're good to go. Now just find an app that integrates instant apps, which will work as advertised. Wish appears to be the first, but many more will be available in the coming weeks. If you haven't already. We just need to find them.
Go ahead and search for something, like Wish, and one of the many search results will have "instant launch" under the icon. Instead of being directed to the Google Play Store, downloading an app and waiting for it to install, it automatically and temporarily adds parts of the app to our smartphone. It gives you the choice to launch instant apps or browse the web version instead.
Users can browse the store as if the app is installed, and it even uses Google's secure checkout system and all. Find what you want, buy it and that's it. Now the app will be deleted from our temporary storage as if nothing happened. Saving time and space.
Popular shopping or news websites and apps will be the first to take advantage, but we can expect to see a lot more soon. It will be interesting to see the different ways companies are taking advantage of Android Instant Apps. Or how they will be able to see an installed user base, if the app is uninstalled after use. Try it today and enjoy.