Host Application Direct App Installation via Authorized Code
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing process of downloading and installing applications on mobile devices is cumbersome, often requiring users to leave their current application and interact with an app store, which can deter users from installing applications promoted through advertisements due to the complexity and intrusiveness of the process.
Innovation Solution
A direct application install feature that allows users to download and install applications directly from third-party applications, such as social networking or web browsers, without the need to interact with an app store, by delegating download requests to authorized program code that has been pre-authorized for software installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users download and install applications through the traditional app store process, then application security and control are maintained, but the installation process becomes complex and intrusive, reducing user conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the application installation capability from the traditional app store interface and embeds it directly within the host application. The download link in the advertisement directly initiates installation without requiring users to navigate to a separate app store, thereby simplifying the installation process while maintaining security through authorized code execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the advertisement display function with the application installation function into a single integrated flow. The host application serves dual purposes: displaying content/advertisements and directly facilitating application installation through embedded download links, eliminating the need for separate interaction with an app store.
2Productivity
If users are required to leave the current application to access the app store for installation, then proper application separation is maintained, but user engagement and conversion are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-authorizing the host application to facilitate installations. The authorized code is embedded in advance within the host application, allowing it to execute installation commands directly when users click download links, eliminating the need for users to navigate away and reducing installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - authorized program code embedded within the host application - that mediates between the advertisement link and the actual installation process. This intermediary enables direct installation initiation without requiring users to leave the host application, maintaining engagement while reducing time loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If third-party applications are permitted to download and install other applications, then installation flexibility is increased, but security risks and unauthorized installations may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the authorization status of different code components. Only specific authorized code within the host application has the capability to facilitate installations, while other third-party code remains restricted. This selective authorization enables installation flexibility for trusted applications while maintaining security by limiting installation capabilities to pre-approved code only.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method includes presenting, in a user interface of a host application, content that includes a download link referencing a downloadable application, wherein the user interface of the host application performs operations unrelated to downloading applications, receiving, in the host application, selection of the download link, and downloading and installing the host application while the host application performs the operations unrelated to downloading applications. The downloading and installing comprises sending, to a server computer system, a request to download the downloadable application, receiving an application package that corresponds to the downloadable application, and installing the downloadable application on the computer system from the application package by executing program code having permission to install applications. The content may include an advertisement for the application, and the advertisement may include the download link. The download link may identify the server computer system and the application package.