Streaming Software Speeds Apps

Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana

AppStreamer software was developed to stream data and code resources to an app from a cloud server when necessary, allowing an app to use only the space it needs on a phone at any given time. Application components such as heavy video, graphics, or code paths stream instantly despite the errors and slowdowns that are possible on a cellular network. The software also cuts down storage requirements by at least 85% for popular gaming apps on an Android.

AppStreamer seamlessly shuffles data between an app and a cloud server without stalling the game. Since it works for storage-hungry gaming apps, it could work for other apps that usually take up far less space. The software also allows the app itself to download faster to a phone.

The middleware, located between the apps on a device and the operating system, automatically predicts when to fetch data from a cloud server. AppStreamer could help phones better accommodate 5G connectivity — high-speed wireless cellular networks that would allow devices to download movies in seconds and handle other data-heavy tasks much faster than the 4G networks currently available to most phones. Using AppStreamer on a 5G network would mean that an app downloads instantly, runs faster, and takes up minimal space on a phone.

The researchers also designed AppStreamer to use edge computing, which stores and sends data from edge servers. These servers, located in spots such as cell-phone towers, are closer to a device compared to the cloud. The shorter distance reduces data download time.

For more information, contact Saurabh Bagchi at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; 765-494-1741.