App Install Optimisation on Google Play in the Works to Improve App Performance, Reduce Download Time

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Google Play Store image used for representation.

Google also adds that the feature does not collect any personal information, such as name or email address. The ‘app install optimisation’ also does not look at anything outside of the app, such as other apps or content on the device, the company claims.

Google is seemingly working to improve apps’ performance on Android smartphones. As spotted by 9to5Google, the software giant is developing ‘App install optimisation’ on Google Play that needs to be enabled manually to improve the app installation experience. The feature is not currently live, though the support page is accessible. Google explains that when users turn on the app install optimisation, the AI can tell which parts of app users use the first time after installation. “When enough people do this, Google can optimize the app to install, open, and run faster for everyone,” the support page notes. The feature is aimed to improve apps downloaded via the Google Play Store as Android phones are slowly getting heavy applications that read more memory to boot. Hence, select social media giants are reviving the ‘lite’ version of their platform for entry-level smartphones. Google also tried addressing this with App Bundles, a system that lets developers build multiple versions of their apps for different device configurations.

Since Google will be reviewing information for app optimisation the company notes that “all info is used in accordance with Google’s Privacy Policy.” The company’s ‘app install optimisation’ will use the data to speed up installation for apps from Google Play, reduce the amount of time it takes to open and run apps, and reduce strain on the smartphone’s CPU, battery, and storage. As mentioned, the option seems unavailable and Google will likely provide more details once the rollout is complete. Users can check the availability manually by heading to the menu (three vertical dots) > Settings > App install optimisation on or off.

Google also adds that the feature does not collect any personal information, such as name or email address. The ‘app install optimisation’ also does not look at anything outside of the app, such as other apps or content on the device, the company claims. Those not comfortable with the capability can turn it off from Play Store settings, but they will “still benefit from data gathered from other people.” References to the ‘app install optimisation’ feature were spotted on Google Play version 24.5.13.

Users can check the Google Play Store version by heading to Settings > Apps & notifications > Google Play services. Check the version number you have.

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Google move to cut Play Store fee could help ‘boutique’ apps, but not big developers

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In a move that brings relief to thousands of developers across the world, Google has decided that from July 1 it will take just a 15 per cent cut — down from the present 30 per cent — on the first $1 million revenue earned by apps on Google Play. While the move does not change much for big apps, it does help smaller apps and game developers in a big way.

“Reduction of commission fees is likely to benefit boutique firms, individual application developers and early stage startups,” Manjunath Bhat, Sr Director Analyst, Gartner, tells Indianexpress.com. “It will have little to no impact on large established application development companies in India.”

Sameer Samat, VP of Android and Google Play, wrote in a blog post that “99% of developers globally that sell digital goods and services with Play will see a 50% reduction in fees.” Developers with a total revenue over $1 million each year will still need to pay a 30 per cent fee to Google.

Google’s announcement follows a similar move by Apple last year when the Cupertino company said it will reduce its fee from 30 per cent to 15 per cent from January, for developers who make less than $1 million annually. However, Google’s approach is slightly different. In the case of Apple, the company’s App Store Small Business Program applies to only those developers who earn less than $1 million in annual sales per year from all of their apps – and once they make more than $1 million, they are charged at a standard rate. Google, meanwhile, says the cut applies to the first $1 million regardless of total revenue. “We’ve heard from our partners making $2 million, $5 million and even $10 million a year that their services are still on a path to self-sustaining orbit,” Samat said.

Both Apple and Google in recent months have come under fire from large firms such as Epic Games and Spotify, as well as from smaller developers, who allege that the current business practises applied by the two tech giants are harming the tech market. In fact, Apple’s legal fight with Fortnite creator Epic Games has put the company under increased scrutiny from regulators. Because both Apple and Google control the most popular App Stores as well as the entire smartphone market and the ecosystem, many developers say they have no options but to follow the rules laid by the two companies and pay the fees.

“In a country like India, it particularly makes a big difference,” says Rajan Navani, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, JetSynthesys. “I think in a way it helps support the Indian ecosystem, especially the smaller developers.”

Navani, whose company develops popular mobile games for Android, says a reduction in the Play Store fees will make a bigger impact because the app monetization on Google’s platform is much larger. “If we look at Google’s platform numbers, they are somewhere in the range of 30 to 40 per cent growth in app purchases in India,” he said. “ It’s a good move, because with new developers coming in, more companies will engage with citizens through digital payments,”

The move is more significant also because Android dominates the smartphone market in India. The change, even though not specific to India, comes a few months after Google faced criticism from high-profile local startups including Paytm over a move to charge a 30 per cent commission for in-app purchases.

Vijay Shekhar Sharma, founder of Paytm, called Google “judge, jury and executioner” after the Mountain View giant temporarily delisted the popular payments app from the Android app store for a policy violation. Following the backlash, Google had to delay its 30 per cent Play Store cut in India to April 2022.

“The commission reduction is a step forward in growing this market,” Bhat said. “A lot lies ahead in the journey of platform innovation, democratising access to the platform and monetising platform services in India.”

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Aarogya Setu App Can be Used to Register for COVID-19 Vaccine Apart from Co-WIN Portal: Here’s How

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COVID-19 vaccine registration via CoWIN dashboard on Aarogya Setu app

The government had previously announced that a dedicated Co-WIN app would be rolled out to ensure the same registration process. However, the app that is currently available on Google Play Store is accessible to administrators and not eligible beneficiaries.

  • News18.com
  • Last Updated: March 2, 2021, 17:36 IST

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The second phase of the COVID-19 vaccination process has begun in India for citizens above the age of 60 or those above 45 with co-morbidities. Aside from the Co-WIN web portal, citizens can also use the Aarogya Setu app to register for the vaccine. The government had previously announced that a dedicated Co-WIN app would be rolled out to ensure the same registration process. However, the app that is currently available on Google Play Store is accessible to administrators and not eligible beneficiaries. On the other hand, Aarogya Setu is free to download via Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

To register for the COVID-19 vaccine in India via Aarogya Setu, users will need to find the section ‘Cowin‘ within the app for Android or iOS. Select the ‘Vaccination’ option and then tap on ‘Register Now.’ Citizens will first need to register via their 10-digit mobile number and enter the OTP. In the second stage of registration, select the type of Photo ID proof such as Aadhaar, PAN, Driver’s license, and more. You will also need to provide basic information such as gender and date of birth. If you’re above 45 years with co-morbidities, select the check box and carry relevant documents at the time of vaccination.






After this, you will see a page where you can add up to four beneficiaries with the same mobile number. Select the vaccination centre by entering the pin code, book the time slot, and select Proceed. Eligible citizens also have the option to re-schedule or cancel the appointment.

ALSO READ: How to Register for COVID-19 Vaccine via Co-WIN: A Step-by-Step Guide, In Photos

Many private hospitals have received certification to act as COVID-19 vaccine centres where they cannot charge more than Rs 250 per shot. COVID-19 vaccines are free of cost in government hospitals. Citizens who are not tech-savvy or do not own a smartphone can call the centre number — 1507. It appears that the Aarogya Setu app, similar to the Co-WIN platform, does not allow citizens to choose which COVID-19 vaccine they want. Users are also advised to keep the app updated in case the CoWIN dashboard is still unavailable.


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