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Originally Posted On: https://www.villagevoice.com/2023/05/19/shopping-app-temu-makes-waves-at-google-i-o-developer-keynote/
Temu, the popular Boston based shopping app, made its debut at Google’s annual developer conference as the fast-rising e-commerce platform was highlighted among the pioneering batch of developers adapting their apps for the Pixel Fold, Google’s first foldable phone.
Since its debut in September 2022, Boston-based Temu, whose name means “team up, price down,” has become a favorite among shoppers, with one of the most downloaded apps on both Google Play and the App Store. The app’s wide array of affordable merchandise has captured the attention of consumers across 10 markets, including the US, Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, and New Zealand.
Temu’s success has not gone unnoticed by tech giants. Google recently recognized Temu’s high quality, innovation, and design, designating it as a Google Play Editors’ Choice app. But Temu’s accolades didn’t stop there.
In a move that solidifies Temu’s place in the e-commerce big leagues, the company was featured at Google I/O, one of the tech industry’s most high-profile events. Temu joined a select group of 25 apps, including powerhouses like Disney+, eBay, and WhatsApp, that Google highlighted for their work on large-screen mobile device optimization.
Temu Setting New Shopping Experience for Future Foldables
With Google’s announcement of its first folding phone, the Pixel Fold, the demand for apps optimized for larger screens looks set to skyrocket. Google, along with handset makers like Samsung, Motorola, and Oppo, is betting big on the future of foldable, large-screen devices. According to IDC, foldable smartphone shipments are expected to rise by 50.5%, reaching 21.4 million units in 2023.
“As people add more connected devices to their lives, they want their apps to work across them, and adapt to each form factor’s unique abilities,” said Matthew McCullough, VP of Product Management, Android Developer at Google. “We’re seeing a robust market continue to grow for large-screen devices: Tablets, foldables, and flippables provide a huge opportunity to reach premium consumers.”
For app developers, this emerging tech presents both an opportunity and a challenge. Adapting to diverse screen sizes, aspect ratios, and folding mechanisms calls for creative problem-solving. Temu is rising to the occasion, showing its commitment to developing a seamless user experience for foldable devices.
Temu Collaborates With Google
Temu and Google have been collaborating to create an optimized version of the Temu app for foldable devices like the Pixel Fold. The new design allows users to display the app in two columns, with one side dedicated to browsing products and the other featuring a chat, shopping cart, and payments. This innovative layout makes it easier for users to shop and stay in touch with customer service simultaneously.
As more consumers embrace large-screen devices, developers will need to rethink their approach to app design. While foldable smartphones currently only make up a small percentage of worldwide Android phone shipments, that number is expected to rise as prices decrease and more models become available.
As one of the first companies to offer a better user experience for foldable devices, Temu is setting a new standard for e-commerce apps. Their innovative approach could inspire other developers to follow suit, shaping the future of the mobile shopping experience.
Despite the challenges of the fast-paced tech landscape, Temu’s appearance at Google I/O marks a key milestone for the company. As it continues to innovate and adapt, Temu is proving that it’s not just keeping up with the times, but paving the way for the future of e-commerce.
