Some Android apps are about to take a lot longer to download, but they'll also have more interactive 3-D graphics, audio, and video. Google boosted its maximum app size from 50MB to 4GB today, according to the Android Developers blog.
"Android applications have historically been limited to a maximum size of 50MB. This works for most apps, and smaller is usually better -- every megabyte you add makes it harder for your users to download and get started," software architect Tim Bray wrote on the blog. "However, some types of apps, like high-quality 3D interactive games, require more local resources."
The way the new byte system will work is users' Android Package files (APK) will still be limited to 50MB to "ensure secure on-device storage." But now developers can attach two more 2GB expansion files, which will let them have more flexibility and creativity in app development.
This change means that the Android Market will now host the files, which helps lower costs for developers. It also means that users will be able to see an app's total size before purchasing and installing it. An extra bonus is that on "most newer devices," Bray wrote, the 15-minute refund period won't start until the entire app is downloaded.
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