Google appears to be rolling out a new feature that allows Android users to install apps directly from search results.
As usual, when you search for an app name in the Google app, you’ll receive the appropriate app listing along with an install button. However, some users are reporting that when they tap this, a standalone installation process is instigated.
Under the new system, it seems the Google Play Store no longer gets opened. Chrome doesn’t seem to have added support for this shortcut feature just yet, but we expect Google’s working on it.
As Android Police points out, not all Android users will be seeing this new feature just yet. It appears to be in the early stages of a wider rollout, with Google possible testing it out ahead of a full launch.
Related: Google Pixel C review
Why would Google wish you circumvent its own app store, you might wonder? Despite how much it has branched out over the years, the core of Google’s business remains in search (and the ad system that supports it). Everything is about driving more people to its search engine.
If Google can start offering core Android services through its search engine without making them navigate away, that’s all the better for Google.
Next, take a look at the new features Android 6.0 has added:
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
