Android users will now see results for relevant apps when performing Google searches using their smartphone or tablet.
So, for example, if you search for the New York Times, you’ll see the web browser site, plus a carousel further down tempting you to install the app within a few taps.
Once the Install button is tapped, users will be taken to the Play Store and, once installed, they'll be taken straight to the content originally searched for.
So, for example, if you search for “great restaurants near me” you might see contextual app suggestions like Yelp and Zagat.
Furthermore, searches for "how to make the perfect meatloaf?" may offer install buttons for AllTheCooks or Big Oven.
The functionality is a bonus for developers who’ve implemented App Indexing with Google, a tool which indexes application content just like websites, helping users to engage with Android apps after they’ve been installed. This new implementation stretches to apps Android users don’t get have on their phones.
Some of the apps already enrolled in App Indexing include ESPN Sports Center, IMDb, Airbnb, Expedia, Flixster, AllTheCooks, Twitter, Tumblr and many more.
Read more: Best Android apps: 16 great Android apps
Google writes (via Engadget): “If you’ve implemented App Indexing, when indexed content from your app is relevant to a search done on Google on Android devices, people may start to see app install buttons for your app in search results. Tapping these buttons will take them to the Google Play store where they can install your app, then continue straight on to the right content within it.
“With the addition of these install links, we are starting to use App Indexing as a ranking signal for all users on Android, regardless of whether they have your app installed or not. We hope that Search will now help you acquire new users, as well as re-engage your existing ones.”
