Google Play Store is poised to significantly enhance user convenience with the introduction of a new auto-open feature designed for newly installed apps. This innovative update aims to simplify and expedite the app installation process by eliminating the need for users to manually open apps after they are downloaded. Currently, after installing an app, users must navigate to the app drawer or the Play Store’s app listing page to launch it, which can be an extra and sometimes cumbersome step.
The forthcoming auto-open feature addresses this by automatically launching the app as soon as the installation is complete. This update will not only save time but also provide a more seamless user experience. By integrating this functionality, Google Play Store is focusing on improving overall efficiency and user satisfaction, ensuring that users can start using their new apps instantly without any additional effort. This move reflects Google’s ongoing commitment to enhancing user-friendly experiences on its platform.
The Google Play Store is working on integrating an auto-open feature into its platform. This feature will allow users to enable an option that automatically opens an app once its installation is complete. The addition of this function is expected to simplify the user experience by removing the need for manual intervention after an app is downloaded and installed.
At present, users need to manually open newly installed apps either from the Play Store’s app listing page or through their app drawer. This process involves an extra step, which can be cumbersome for users who prefer a more seamless experience. The introduction of the auto-open feature aims to eliminate this extra step, making the process more efficient and user-friendly.
As discovered by Android Authority during an APK teardown of Google Play Store version 42.5.15, the new feature includes a "Turn on Auto-open" toggle. This toggle will appear beneath the Open button on the Play Store’s app listing page after an app is installed. When activated, this toggle will change its description to "Automatically open after install," indicating that the feature is enabled.
Once the auto-open feature is turned on, the Play Store will automatically launch the newly installed app as soon as the installation process is complete. This means that users will no longer need to manually locate and open the app themselves.
To keep users informed about the auto-opening process, a notification will appear once the app installation reaches 100%. This notification will provide an estimate of the time remaining before the app is automatically opened. According to the feature’s code, the notification will always include a 5-second countdown, allowing users to easily anticipate when the app will launch. This countdown helps users prepare for the app’s opening and ensures a smooth transition from installation to usage.
The auto-open feature has been fully functional in the APK version reviewed, indicating that it is close to being rolled out to all users. Google’s recent APK teardown suggests that this feature will soon become widely available, enhancing the overall user experience on the Play Store.
In addition to the auto-open feature, Google has recently introduced other improvements to the Play Store. One notable update is the functionality allowing concurrent updating or installing of up to three apps simultaneously. This means that when users tap the 'Update all' button, the Play Store can now download and install updates for up to three apps at once. Apps beyond the three being updated will show a 'pending' status, a standard feature that has been in place for years.
This concurrent updating feature further enhances user convenience by reducing the time spent waiting for multiple apps to update individually. It complements the new auto-open functionality by providing a more streamlined and efficient app management experience on the Play Store.
Conclusion
The introduction of the auto-open feature for newly installed apps marks a significant improvement in the Google Play Store's functionality. By automating the process of opening apps post-installation, Google aims to make the user experience more seamless and convenient. Combined with recent updates like concurrent app updating, the Play Store continues to evolve, offering users enhanced features that streamline their app management tasks. As this new feature rolls out, users can look forward to a more efficient and user-friendly experience on the Google Play Store.