Google’s compression technology for Play Store app auto-updates will reduce associated data consumption by an average of 65 per cent, according to figures released by the company this week.

The new system, named file-to-file patching, is designed to minimise data charges for Android users utilising the cellular network for regular downloads. Although the amount of data consumed will be lowered, the technology uses more battery power and takes longer to install than the files previously in use.

To prevent user issues, Google has limited this technique to auto-downloads that generally take place at night and when the handset is plugged in to a power source – though this will depend on individual handset settings.

The size of some auto-updates will be reduced by over 90 per cent compared to those used this time last year, including Netflix (92 per cent less), Farm Heroes Super Saga (89 per cent) and Google Maps (59 per cent).

Announcing the move on the official Android developer blog, Google stated: “These changes are designed to ensure our community of over a billion Android users use as little data as possible for regular app updates.”