Google is known for continuously updating its services quietly. Recently, however, a more prominent development has surfaced from its labs. The company is reportedly testing a capability to queue downloads in the Play Store, starting or resuming only when the device joins a Wi-Fi network.
The feature, which is now believed to be in beta stage, is primarily aimed to cater to users who are constantly on the go.
The problem with the current system is that app downloads are bound to continue in the background even when the phone shifts to data connection in cases when the owner steps out of the Wi-Fi range. Android users have to manually pause or cancel downloads, otherwise they could rack up huge data charges.
Essentially, people can decide to download an app while using data connectivity and queue such download. For example, a user found himself in a disorganized shopping spree and decided to download Evernote right then and there to avoid the same problem in the future. The download will only kick in after the device is connected to Wi-Fi.
Presently, the service is available to a limited number of users. Your device might or might not have this capability and it is not clear how Google selects devices to test the feature on. There is also no way to trigger the feature by yourself.
For those who have access to the new service, a window reportedly pops out outlining the option to queue when downloading an app over mobile data. Those who can currently use the feature must look out for Google's warning because the feature can be pulled out when the test is completed. Once this happens, downloads will continue to consume the user's mobile data plan.
There is still no official word from the folks at Google confirming this latest beta project or whether the feature would even see the light of day. However, it is extremely useful for most users. Although it is a minuscule update, it will have the potential of saving consumers significant amounts of money wasted on accidental mobile data access.
The latest feature is only part of the changes that Google is making regarding the Play Store. Recently, for example, it updated the platform so that a user now has the ability to share content with up to six individuals. This change is part of the so-called Play Family Library.
We'll be keeping a close watch on new developments regarding the Play Store's queue feature and we'll update you accordingly. Stay tuned!
Photo: Kārlis Dambrāns | Flickr
