How Google Chromes developer tools could change the way we use smartphone apps
At the last Chrome Dev Summit, Google announced that Chrome will start offering ‘instantaneous experiences’. This will make it possible for us to complete fast processes and functions on our phone’s browser, instead of downloading and logging into an app.
A massive 1 billion of us are actively using Google Chrome on desktop and mobile every month. Chrome has been the most popular web browser for 4 years, growing a 51% share to 70%. Any major changes Google makes to its browsing experience is likely to have a big impact on lots of us.
Will this make apps obsolete?
According to Google’s director of engineering, Dion Almaer, the main goal is to create ‘native-like’ experiences and get rid of loading screens altogether.
Three of the first app-like experiences coming to Chrome will be two-factor SMS messaging, easy content sharing through contacts lists and social media, and a Native File System API which will interact with your phone’s photos, videos, and files.
For app developers, this is very big. Instead of building apps that are downloaded and used separately, developers will be able to use Chrome’s new Web Bundles to make those exact same functions possible through the web browser most of us are already using. For some more complex features, apps are likely to still have their function. However, when it comes to simpler, everyday features, Chrome could make some apps a lot less needed.
End-users could have a lot less to complain about
A 2016 review of 6,390 iOS app reviews showed our main gripes involved functionality errors, privacy concerns, and hidden costs. 11% of reviews were posted after a recent update, so this clearly creates new problems as well as fix existing ones.
If app functionality comes automatically to our phones via Google Chrome, a lot of the quoted functionality issues could be less likely, including device compatibility issues, crashes, slow response times, or a lack of important features.
What does your business need to know?
If your business builds and develops apps, or relies on app functionality to keep customers happy, Google Chrome’s new developer features could be really useful. It could be even easier to process user data, provide fast online services, and generate online sales.
- More opportunities to reach people on different smartphones? Instead of developing separate apps for iOS and Android users, you’ll be able to use the world’s most popular browser to attract people across all devices.
- Cut development costs and time. You can reach even more people with just one version of your online tool. That means less time spent and fewer resources.
- Faster to market. Create features and launch them quickly.
Users will be discouraged from accessing slow websites
Google has been making a fuss about slow websites for a long time, and it’s well known that slow loading can push your site further down the search engine rankings. Soon, Chrome will go one further.
Slow and fast loading sites will be labelled so users can make an informed choice. It’s not clear how Google will do this yet, but it’s likely to warn users while they’re trying to load a page. If your site is one of them, the chances of potential users pressing back and going elsewhere will be much higher,
Build a future-proof web app
If you want to speed up your site and stay ahead of these big changes, Venture Motion can help. Our experienced developers build web apps for any purpose, and can optimise websites Google will love.
