Google brings PageRank to apps
When the PageRank system was first introduced, it changed the way search engines delivered content. This revolutionized not only user—web interaction, but also how search engines construct their monetization strategies of harnessing advertisement revenue. Without PageRank, programs such as AdWords that deliver individualized advertisement content to users searching for relevant information could not exist.
Recently in Networks, the class has been discussing how algorithms such as PageRank work. There is a voting system through which pages with more links into them are weighted and ranked higher. This creates strong hubs and strong authorities.
Google Now, the mobile tile system for delivering pertinent, personalized, live information to the user, has become the epicenter of the Android device. From voice control, to app launching, Google Now’s suggestions have power on the device. With Android M’s new addition, Now on Tap, Google Now can pop up in-app, delivering that same relevant content, except in the context of the app. To do this, Google created a PageRank type algorithm for in-app usage. This raises some questions. How safe is user information? If you pull up Now on Tap when texting your friend about a dinner reservation about Il Mulino, and Google Now pulls up their menu and phone number, is that information safe from advertisers? Will we see even more directed content? These are questions that will certainly face the limelight over the next few years. In the mean time though, enjoy the innovation from the engineers at Google, making every day like increasingly seamless—one software development at a time.
Source: http://betanews.com/2015/06/19/google-now-on-tap-pagerank-for-apps/