Downloading an app from the Google Play Store is currently followed by the option to either open or uninstall the app. However, this may soon change, as Google seems to be testing a new feature that launches apps automatically after they’re installed on a device.
The new feature dubbed “App Auto Open” is being tested in version 41.4.19 of the Play Store. When activated, users will receive a notification that will appear as a banner across the top of the screen. This notification will ring or vibrate the device, depending on the device settings, and will last for up to five seconds.
The App Auto-Open feature is expected to be optional, with users able to toggle it on or off. But this feature will be toggled on by default.
App Auto-Open isn’t live just yet, and there is no definitive information on its future availability for all Google Play Store users at this time.
In addition to this new auto-open feature, Google is said to be developing another Play Store feature that will remind users about previously installed apps they have not yet opened.
Once the two features are made available, Google’s wider audience will be empowered with the choice to automatically open apps after downloading or receive reminders about unopened apps.
