Learn How to Use Android Instant Apps and Play Games Without Downloading

Google Play Instant Apps let you use apps without having to download them and in turn leave space on your smartphone for more important things. Instead of installing an app from the Play Store that requires time, money and, in many countries, costly mobile data, you can have them easily.

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It enables Android users running Marshmallow and above (and maybe Lollipop too) to try before you purchase. After rolling out to all developers earlier this year, Google claims that 500 million Android devices have access to the revolutionary feature, but that’s not everything.

If you run Android 6.0 on your computer, you can go to the settings on your computer to activate it. While sampling apps is an excellent idea, the speed at which apps can be tried is the most intriguing part of that process. Read on to find out more.

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Photo credit: https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net. 

Overview and How to Get Started 

Google launched Instant Apps last year as a way for developers to provide consumers with a native app experience that doesn’t require installation. On the search results page, users can simply click on a button, and the instant app can load. 

The organization is now extending this initiative to include sports. Thanks to this, you can now see what it is like to play a level or two of Clash Royale, Final Fantasy XV: A New Empire, or Panda Pop without going through the typical installation. 

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Instead, you ‘re just heading for the Google Play store, find a game that supports this feature, and hitt “Try now.” Google Play product managers Jonathan Karmel and Benjamin Frenkel told me the team learned a great deal from the Instant Apps development experience. 

Karmel and Frenkel have said the fundamental concept behind this project is to accelerate exploration. To do this, the team is introducing a new ‘arcade’ tab to the newly updated Google Play Games app to highlight the latest crop of Instant Games and launch a range of Instant Gaming in the Google Play store. 

How to Enable Instant Apps 

  1. Swipe down into the notification shade from your home screen.
  2. Click Settings (Cog icon).
  3. Scroll down and then tap Google.
  4. Tap Instant Applications.
  5. Feature toggle On.
  6. Confirm by clicking on the terms that you consent to, tap Yes, I’m in.

This is it! Once you have made Instant Apps enabled, you can search for and start using a compatible app. Right now, there are more than 50 Instant Web-compatible websites, including Rocket, Onefootball, Citymapper, Realtor, Rocket, Vimeo, dotloop, NYTimes Crosswords, and more.

How to Access the Instant App

Connection to an Instant App can be made from any page, including search, social media, email, and other deep links. The best way is to only check Google for an item. In this example, we are looking to use Citymapper to get directions somewhere in New York.

  1. Go to the search page on Google.
  2. Enter your search term, like, for example, Citymapper.
  3. Tap on the first outcome.
  4. Using the app, or just press Get the app to download it from the Play Store if you want the whole experience.

Google lists several apps that support Instant games, including Skyscanner, NYTimes Crossword Puzzle, Buzzfeed, Onefootball, Red Bull TV, and ShareTheMeal app. These apps now also have a “Try it Now” button on their store pages to let Android users know the feature is open. 

Most of these apps are for free. However, there are apps that need payment, depending on your location and other aspects to consider. 

Photo credit: https://1.bp.blogspot.com. 

Conclusion

To access more information about the prices of each instant apps, click here. You now can try out a bunch of apps that you want without having to commit and pay. This will give you as a consumer the opportunity to ensure you only spend money and phone space for apps you like.