After several years of on and off testing, Google has finally made a significant advancement in the usability of the Play Store by introducing simultaneous app downloads and installations. This new feature allows for a more streamlined process when adding multiple applications to a device, markedly improving user experience by saving time.
To observe this new functionality first-hand, users can attempt installing hefty apps simultaneously, such as Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. This demonstrates how apps now download and install concurrently, eliminating the need to wait for each one to finish before beginning the next. Progress can be easily monitored both within the Play Store and on the device’s home screen, providing clear visibility into the status of each download and installation process.
This updated feature is currently limited to new installs only and supports two apps simultaneously. A third app queued for download will remain in a Pending state until one of the first pair completes its download and installation process. This is in contrast to the iOS App Store’s capabilities, which allows three apps to be downloaded and installed at the same time.
At present, simultaneous downloads are not available for app updates on Google Play. Considering how frequently updates occur compared to new installs, the feature’s extension to updates could significantly enhance convenience for users. It is hoped that this limitation is merely a starting point for Google Play and that future updates will expand the functionality to include app updates.
The feature has been spotted working on various Pixel devices running Android 14 and Play Store version 40.6.31. While it marks a step forward for Google Play, particularly beneficial for setting up new Android devices, there’s anticipation for broader application in future updates to further enhance user experience on the platform.
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The initiative signifies Google’s ongoing commitment to refining and improving the Play Store’s functionality, making it more user-friendly and efficient. As with all technological advancements, user feedback and adoption rates will likely guide future enhancements and expansions of simultaneous app downloads and installation capabilities on Google Play.
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