android webview

Name:	android webview
Price:	android webview
Version:	100.0.4896.79
Author:	Google LLC
Category:	tools
Package:	com.google.android.webview

Updates

As of March 16, 2023, there is no latest version of the Android WebView app. Google has announced that it will be phasing out the Android WebView app in favor of other web rendering technologies. The last version of the Android WebView app was released on February 23, 2023.

Here are some of the new features that were added to the Android WebView app before it was discontinued:

Support for new APIs: The Android WebView app was updated to support new APIs, such as the WebXR API and the WebUSB API.
Improved security: The Android WebView app was updated to improve security, making it more resistant to attacks.
New features: The Android WebView app was updated with new features, such as the ability to display web content in a floating window and the ability to control web content with voice commands.

The Android WebView app was a web rendering engine that allowed Android apps to display web content. It was used by a variety of apps, including Chrome, Gmail, and Google Maps. However, Google has decided to phase out the Android WebView app in favor of other web rendering technologies, such as Chrome Custom Tabs.

Chrome Custom Tabs are a more modern web rendering technology that offer a number of advantages over the Android WebView app. For example, Chrome Custom Tabs are more secure and they offer better performance. As a result, Google is encouraging developers to migrate their apps to Chrome Custom Tabs.

If you are using an app that uses the Android WebView app, you may see an error message when you try to open a web page. This is because the Android WebView app is no longer supported. If you see this error message, you can try to update the app to the latest version. However, if the app is no longer supported, you may need to find a different app that can display web content.

Introducing Android WebView: Everything You Need to Know

What is Android WebView?

Android WebView is a commonly used system component in every Android device that helps apps to display web content within the application itself. In technical terms, Android WebView is a wrapped implementation of the Chromium browser and the rendering engine for Google's web browser.

Features of Android WebView

One of the best things about Android WebView is that it is free and pre-installed on all Android devices. Here are the key features of Android WebView:

Capable of rendering different web pages with ease
Integration of web pages into Android-based applications
Secure due to the constant updates that eliminate security vulnerabilities
Increased performance and better handling of APIs version (Jelly Bean onwards, WebView has moved to a different module to increase automation security)

The Pros of Android WebView

The benefits of using Android WebView are numerous:

Cross-platform compatibility – can run on all Android versions
Built-in optimization and streaming of web pages, images and videos without opening an external browser
Hosting a consistent UI experience with great performance and functionality, even on low internet bandwidths
Updated with the most recent browser features and safety measures

The Cons of Android WebView

As with any app, there are a few drawbacks to using Android WebView:

In comparison to external browsers like Chrome and Firefox, WebView may be slower and sometimes even unresponsive, especially if pages are loaded many times
WebView is a composite component of the Android system with limited functionality, so not all latest HTML5 features are supported.

How to Use Android WebView

Now that you know what Android WebView is, here’s a simple guide on how to use it:

Tap on the Android WebView icon on your device. (Hint: it is usually labelled WebView and is located in the app drawer of your device.)
Click on the three dots on the top right corner of the app screen
Enter the URL of the web page you'd like to browse
Enjoy the web page within the app itself!

FAQs about Android WebView

Why does Android WebView need to be updated?

Updating Android WebView keeps you safe and secure by patching security vulnerabilities. It helps to keep browsing safe by avoiding data theft or invasion from unsafe URLs.

How often should we update Android WebView?

Android WebView should be updated whenever an update is made available. This assists in flagging of the vulnerabilities that the developers identify and eliminate with updates. In case WebView is not used, it is highly recommended to disable or remove it from the system.

What’s the difference between Chrome and Android WebView?

Essentially, they are both web browsers with the difference being that Chrome is a standalone browser while Android WebView is an embedded browser. Chrome is preferred for desktops and mobile devices, while WebView is preferred for embedding web views in mobile apps within a clickable interface.

Can a WebView execute JavaScript?

Yes. Android WebView can execute JavaScript on all supported Android devices.

What is the scope of WebView as an API?

Android WebView is a standard API that allows for the integration of web content within an app. It is supported on all Android-based systems, and therefore has wide support, making it a good choice for any mobile app’s implementation of a web view.

Conclusion

Android WebView is a vital system component that should never be overlooked when developing an app. By integrating web pages within an app, users can have a new experience while browsing the internet, rather than continuously cycling between an app and an external browser.

Therefore, according to the pros and cons mentioned, it is safe to say that the Android WebView app is an excellent choice for mobile developers in enhancing their applications across different web viewing purposes.