At WWDC 2020, Apple unveiled the cool App Clips. Android users might find this familiar as Google introduced a similar feature, Instant Apps, at the developer conference back in 2017. This nifty feature lets you access parts of an app using a link or QR code, even when the app isn’t installed on your phone. 🌐
Apple first introduced the app download framework via the App Store in 2007. It’s mind-blowing to think that in less than 20 years, everyone from kids to elders understands app downloads! Apps have become the most accurate and efficient way to deliver services to customers. But hey, there’s a catch: users must visit the store to download the app. That’s a big hurdle, right? Enter Instant Apps and App Clips, which make this concept feel oh-so-natural. 🚀
While the title mentions ‘streaming services’, strictly speaking, neither of these features is exactly that. When you tap the link, a small part of the app (under 10 MB) along with its data gets swiftly downloaded and runs. Thanks to speedy networks, users don’t even notice this process. Google’s developer docs clearly state:
The portions of the app and any data they store are temporarily added to the device. 📲
Apple’s technical documents hint at the same idea, although not as explicitly. It mentions:
The app clip launches instantly and only stays on the user’s device for as long as they need it. ⏳
App Clips bypass several steps when downloading to a device, raising some privacy concerns. But from a business perspective, it offers a golden chance to present high-quality services with minimal barriers. Yet, why is Google’s Instant App, announced in 2017, still not widely seen? There are many reasons, but I’d say it’s because they didn’t build an ecosystem that businesses could utilize. You mostly see it as a preview in the Play Store. 🤔
On the other hand, Apple impressed with App Clips by showcasing concrete examples at their developer conference. It felt more like introducing a new business ecosystem than just App Clips. With NFC tags, Visual Codes, and links for entry, features powered by App Clips, and a seamless payment integration with Apple Pay stored on the device, it looked pretty powerful. But whether it’ll be widely used is a whole different story. 🔗💳
Since music services went streaming, and with network speeds skyrocketing, other consumable content has followed the same path. Videos? Well, Netflix paved the way, and now there are countless similar services. Even gaming is getting in on the action with Sony, Microsoft, and Google all offering or preparing streaming services. App Clips and Instant Apps, thanks to their lightning-fast execution, provide a user experience akin to streaming services. 🎮📺
The key takeaway from all these streaming services? It’s all about accessibility. Not having to carry CDs or Blu-rays to enjoy music or movies is a game-changer. And using an app without installing it? Different consumption structure, same improved accessibility. 🎶🎬
In the future, people will keep designing systems to make it easier for customers to part with their money. That’s all well and good, but here’s hoping they focus on the quality of the services they provide too. 🌟
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