Android Instant Apps: Any app at a Tap

Ever a faced this: You want to use an application for a one time thing, say quick photo edit, or shopping from a place you are never gonna use again, but you need to download the complete app for the same?? This becomes irritating sometimes, especially when the app is big on size, and takes a dig at both your time and data. As usual, Google has got you covered. Back at last year’s Google I/O conference, the search giant introduced the solution: INSTANT APPS!

What are Android Instant Apps? 

Acting as an evolution to the existing app technology, Instant Apps allows you to use the app without actually downloading it, thus using only as much data as your task requires. So for example, if you badly wanna try the dog filter as a one time thing, and you know you are sane enough to never use it again, you won’t have to download the 60-70 MB Snapchat app (this is just an example and the instant app of the mentioned app may or may not be available), and can use it directly at low data, high speed, and less time. In short it acts as a bridge between Web Applications and Native Android application. It lets you experience what you always search for – a variety. This is especially useful, if you, like me want to try out new apps, but don't have an infinite data pack.

How to use them?

The fact is that this technology is at present in beta, so you have to wait for a while more. According to Android’s developer blog, users will get a limited time access just for the sake of testing and feedback generation soon. The first few companies who got their Instant apps include Wish, Periscope, Viki and Buzzfeed. From the Android Team’s Blog, it is clear that other interested developers probably won’t be able to make their apps Instant unless one has trimmed and modified it. Google does intend to open up the SDKs(Software Development Kits) and make the framework available to all later this year.
After it is available, Android Instant Apps will work on a majority of Android devices that use Google Play Services. The Instant Apps will share the same source code as the Native App.

For Developers:

Very limited developers are associated with the programme right now, but many would want to. Google has released a set of best practices to follow when trimming down your app, which you can check out here.

If you are interested in making an instant app, you need to fill-up a form provided by Google. Just click at the link below:
https://developer.android.com/topic/instant-apps/index.html

The Android Developers Team wrote on their blog- ‘The effort involved varies depending on how your app is currently structured. You modularize your app, and Google Play downloads only the parts that are needed, on the fly.’

Conclusion:

When available, Android Instant Apps are expected to be a welcome addition to the Android User experience, and takes another step in the path of Web and Apllication integration, albeit with a lot of questions on viability.
The idea does look good on paper though. And if it becomes as popular as we predict, other environments may be left short changed. Yes, Apple. Will iOS try to adapt this technology? If yes, when, and how? Stay tuned for further updates .