Google’s new app, Triangle, grants greater control of how apps use Android devices’ mobile data connections.

Saving data

Triangle lets consumers see which apps are using their device’s data connection, and make decisions about which ones should. They can decide whether to allow or to block each app.

At a glance, that seems simple enough. Of course, there’s probably more to it…

In-built rewards

Triangle includes a rewards system, that promises users the opportunity to earn extra data allowances ‘from apps you already use’. This could be some sort of AdWords promotional integration, or it could be something else.

It brings to mind the current net neutrality debates: could Triangle be toying with the idea of giving consumers the power to tilt bandwidth scales, and influencing them with data packs along the way?

Coming soon?

Triangle is currently being tested in the Philippines. Elsewhere, it’s already visible in the Play Store, but shows as incompatible with local devices.

In a statement to TechCrunch, a Google rep said that the purpose was to ‘help users better manage their mobile data,’ and added that they ‘have nothing further to announce at this time.’

Australia is an outlier in developed countries: data caps are still the norm here. Will Australians value what Triangle offers, or will this app only fly in developing markets?

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