Google continues to update its Android Operating System (OS) thanks to its deconstructed nature that enable individual software to continue receiving updates at all times. There are now two new exciting apps, Instant Tethering and Instant Apps that offer convenience and usability. These are quiet updates that may be hiding in the tablet or phone's settings and need only to be toggled on for immediate use.

Google has a huge and continuously evolving number of core system apps that now live in the Play Store. These are updated regularly albeit silently and seamlessly without the knowledge of the users. Google is presently tweaking the Google Play services app starting with new powerful features in the Android OS

Android OS Brings No Password Required Instant Tethering

It has been around for as long as the Android OS has, but the new feature has been refined by Google that makes sharing hotspot fast and easy. Google's product manager Omri Amarilio gives a clear description of how this new feature works. If a user unlocks a tablet like the Pixel C without an internet connection, the device will ask the nearby Pixel phone if it has internet and battery life. If yes, then the Pixel C will give the user options to enable secure hotspot and automatically pair the device without the user removing the Pixel phone from his pocket.

The great thing about this is that the Android OS switches off the hotspot once the second device is no longer in use. This saves the battery life of the source device. The only downside is that it is only available for Pixel and Nexus devices as of now. There are also a set of conditions for Instant Tethering to work. The paired devices must have their Bluetooth on and share the same Google accounts.

The supported devices with Instant Tethering via Android Nougat 7.1.1 include the Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 5x, Nexus 6, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9 and Pixel C, according to TechSpot. Google has not yet indicated if it will have plans to roll out the new Android OS features to other Android devices. The Instant Tethering Feature is expected to be rolled out this week. To check if your devices have the new feature, go to Google or Google settings then look for the Instant Tethering line.

Android OS Launches Instant Apps

Android OS is bringing a different way of using apps through the Instant App feature, which allows users to use an app without installing it. The app can be used on the fly, launched only when needed, closed with no telltale traces. This will not only save memory space but will not add clutter to the phone. However, it is still in its early stage with very few developers onboard.

Computer World reported that only two apps currently work, namely, the shopping app WISH and the streaming app VIKI. Buzzfeed and Periscope were part of the Instant Apps trial, so there is a big possibility that these may be available in new Android OS updates. The Instant Apps feature is intended for all recent Android phones. It may be switched on in the Google icon or Google Settings.

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Tags Android OS, Google, Pixel, Nexus