Android 12 allows you to play a game while it is downloading

Google ad a new option with Android 12 that allows you to play a game while the download has not been completed. The function is called “Play while you download”.

According to Google, the feature makes it possible to launch a game in seconds on Android 12, while it continues to download. In early testing, Google found that games were ready to launch at least twice as fast. Obviously, only part of the game will be playable and not all. You will have to wait for the download to finish to enjoy the full experience.

Players will be able to find “Play while you download” directly at the Play Store, Google announces. The group says that this system is interesting, especially nowadays, in view of the games which are more and more heavy. Not everyone has a good Internet connection, hence the interest in offering them a first gaming experience while the download is going on.

Android 11 on the left, Android 12 on the right

Although the “Play as you download” feature on Android 12 is open to all developers, it requires the developer to compile their app with the Android App Bundle format. The feature uses the Play Asset Delivery system, which requires the Android App Bundle format. New apps submitted to the Play Store after August 1, 2021 must use the Android App Bundle format, but some developers are uncomfortable with this requirement.

Android 12 is currently available in beta. Beta 3 will arrive in July and Beta 4 will follow in August. There will then be a candidate release and the final version.