14 DAY TRIAL // Google constantly improves its Play Store services and finds new ways to bring functionality to users and support developers, including by reportedly upping the subscription split. On its Android blog, the Mountain View giant has announced the introduction of Nearby, a feature that allows third-party apps to react to user location.
The Play store currently boasts of over 1 million applications that work in specific locations or situations. People may, for instance, use said applications when they go shopping so that they can read product reviews or check prices. Location-based applications can also be used at museums or various events.
Google took into consideration that there are situations when users don’t necessarily know which app comes in handy in a specific location. Therefore, the company has introduced Google Nearby, which is a feature notifying users of venues and places near them.
The feature requires users to have Bluetooth and Location turned on on their phones, in order to get a notification if an app or website is available. The Nearby feature uses smart beacons that allow apps to learn the user’s location and suggest relevant information.
Google has already started rolling out the Nearby feature
Currently, Nearby feature is available on Android for a number of services. Users can print photos directly from their handsets at CVS Pharmacies, explore historical landmarks at the University of Notre Dame or download the audio tour at The Broad in L.A.. Google also allows users to download the United Airlines app for free in-flight entertainment or skip the customs line at certain airports with Mobile Passport.
The feature comes with the option for users to set up select Google devices, like Google Cast and Android Wear, when they’re near them. Google has already started rolling out Nearby as part of the upcoming Google Play Services release. The feature will work on Android 4.4 and up.
While it does seem like the kind of feature that would help developers promote their apps, it might annoy some users who simply don’t wish to get notifications or pop-ups on the phone’s screen every time they walk by a pharmacy or a museum.
