Google has added some new ways to find content in Google Search by showing “app-first” content as well as “streaming” apps that you don’t have installed. Apps have been indexed by Google for roughly two years now, and previously Google has only been able to show information from apps that have matching web content. That all changes now. With the “app-first” data, Google can do more.
But up until now, Google has only been able to show information from apps that have matching web content. Because we recognize that there’s a lot of great content that lives only in apps, starting today, we’ll be able to show some “app-first” content in Search as well. For example, if you need a hotel for your spur-of-the-moment trip to Chicago, search results will now include results from the HotelTonight app.
In addition, Google will begin “streaming” some apps that you may not have installed. What that means is:
For example, with one tap on a “Stream” button next to the HotelTonight app result, you’ll get a streamed version of the app, so that you can quickly and easily find what you need, and even complete a booking, just as if you were in the app itself. And if you like what you see, installing it is just a click away. This uses a new cloud-based technology that we’re currently experimenting with.
Google has partnered with a small group of companies, like HotelTonight, Chimani, Daily Horoscope and the New York Subway as it tries out these new ways to bring you content.
Source: Google Search