With its secret acquisition of Agawi, Google could embrace streaming apps

For Google, is it time to phase out downloading native applications in favor of streaming them? According to a new report by The Information, its secret acquisition of startup company Agawi last year could mean just that.

Agawi specializes in creating technologies that would allow users to stream games from the cloud to a variety of mobile devices. Up until now, the acquisition was not brought to light, but TechCrunch notes that not only is Agawi no longer a live business, but that three of its employees now work at Google.

As for the reason behind the acquisition, the biggest one involves turning the Web into an app-like environment. In short, this could be Google’s first move in its attempt to shift users away from downloading native apps and towards the Web for their entertainment purposes. Of course, such a move could pose a serious problem for those living in regions where mobile Internet is not readily accessible, though Google is currently trying to address that issue with Project Loon, which recently turned two years old.

Of course, another reason involves Google possibly wanting to implement a “try before you buy” system for apps. Such a system would allow users to test out applications from the cloud before pulling the trigger and downloading apps. Such a system would be exponentially helpful to developers, who stand to make more money. In addition, if Google does intend to move away from native apps in favor of streaming, this would eliminate the need for developers to keep track of app compatibility, since servers would handle the load instead of the mobile device itself.

Keep in mind, however, that the report is still unconfirmed, and even if Google’s acquisition of Agawi turns out to be true, it could be some time before we see its technologies implemented.