The Quick Rise and Fall of App Sharing
In a surprising twist, Google is pulling the plug on its app-sharing feature that first saw the light of day in 2022. Android users excited about the ability to quickly share applications via the Play Store can now put their celebratory banners back in storage. Indeed, the ability to use Quick Share without a Wi-Fi or internet connection was a game-changer, but alas, every good thing must come to an end.
What’s Happening?
According to the release notes for the December Play Store update (version 44.1), the “share apps feature” will be going the way of the dodo. This means that users who enjoyed the convenience of sharing apps with friends nearby—without worrying about data plans or internet connectivity—will soon have to find old-fashioned ways of getting their friends the latest game or utility. And for those curious about sharing anything deemed “inappropriate” by Google’s standards—think paid apps, books, movies, or anything rated for older audiences—you were never allowed to share those juicy bits anyway.
The Future of App Discovery
So, what does this mean for app discovery on Android? With the shuttering of this feature, users might turn to other avenues for recommendations or searches. The old-school practice of word-of-mouth might just make a strong comeback, and social media platforms could see an uptick in app-recommendation posts. As the saying goes, out with the old and in with the new—at least until Google has another bright idea to enhance our app-sharing experience!