Google is making strides in enhancing user experience on its Play Store with the introduction of an auto-open feature for newly downloaded apps. This eagerly anticipated functionality, which has been in the works since it was first uncovered in an APK teardown last September, is now beginning to roll out to users.
Feature Details
For those fortunate enough to have access, the auto-open toggle appears just below the installation progress bar when downloading an app. By default, this toggle is set to off, allowing users to opt in if they wish to have their apps launch automatically post-download. Once the installation is complete, users will receive a notification featuring a five-second countdown. This brief window provides an opportunity to cancel the action, ensuring that users can maintain control over their devices.
Reports indicate that some Android users, including those with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Pixel 9 Pro XL, have already experienced this feature in action. Interestingly, the Pixel 9 Pro XL showcases a slightly different user interface for the same functionality, highlighting Google’s ongoing efforts to tailor experiences across its diverse range of devices.
This new feature could prove particularly beneficial during lengthy downloads, allowing users to engage in other tasks while waiting for the app to be ready. As Google continues to refine its offerings, this enhancement reflects a commitment to improving the overall user experience on its platform.
