Late yesterday, Google announced "in app" search for App Indexing on Android. It allows developers to integrate their apps to let Google index locally personal content within the app, to be surfaced on search on Android devices, no wifi needed.
Google explained it that "content from your app can then appear for relevant queries in the Google app on Android in the new “In Apps” tab, or as an autocomplete suggestion." Here is a GIF showing it in action:
Google gave three examples of how this search may work for Android apps:
- Find your contacts and messages. Easily find the friend you want to catch up with, or the name of the new sushi place that your friend told you about last month - just search for [sushi] and find the message.
- Listen to your favorite running song or watch that sneezing panda video for the 15th time - all in one place.
- Stay organized with your tasks and notes. Want to check off items on your grocery list? No problem, just search for [groceries].
It currently works on Android with Gmail, Spotify and YouTube apps. In the near future it should work on these apps, Facebook Messenger, LinkedIn, Evernote, Glide, Todoist and Google Keep. If you want to get your app part of this beta, fill out this form.
Forum discussion at Google+.