When Google first appeared on the scene almost 20 years ago, search meant sitting at one’s desktop computer and looking for things archived on the Internet. Since then, we’ve reached a tipping point where the majority of web searches are conducted on mobile devices and a lot of the most pertinent and useful information is located inside of the variety of apps that populate our smartphones and tablets.
Realizing this, Google started indexing the content found inside mobile apps two years ago. According to the company, its search engine now provides 100 billion deep links. Moreover, approximately 40 percent of the searches people do now surface app content.
Starting today, the company is rolling out two new features to make app-related information more accessible. First, the Google Search app on Android will now surface app first content. So, say you start looking for a hotel to book in Montreal, the app will surface results from the HotelTonight app.
Second, if you don’t have the matching app installed on your smartphone, Google Search will, provided you have a good WiFi connection, stream the app, allowing you to find the information you’re looking for as well as complete a variety of tasks within the streamed app, without ever leaving the confines of Google Search.
Currently, only a couple of apps are supported, including the aforementioned HotelTonight, as well as Chimani, Daily Horoscope and the New York Subway app. The company promises to support additional apps in the future.
[source]Google Inside Search[/source]
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