The Google Play app on your Android phone is about to get its biggest update in a long time. Google has announced a series of changes and new features aimed at transforming the Google Play app into more than just a place to download apps. This overhaul includes curated spaces, the ability to list specific interests when searching for new apps and games, and new privacy and app recommendation controls.
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of AI, which Google first announced during Google I/O earlier this year. This AI implementation allows you to use AI to browse and display app reviews, compare apps in similar categories, and get highlights about the app, making it easier to find relevant information. It’s similar to Amazon’s implementation of AI on product pages, providing a concise overview of pros, cons, and common user feedback.
Another key change comes from curated spaces. Google Play will now offer a dedicated location to find all apps related to a specific topic. This could range from sports like cricket for fans in India to comic books for fans in Japan. Curated spaces provide access to all related content in one place, including free chapter previews, live events, trailers, editor picks, and fan reviews from apps you haven’t installed yet.
User interest is a central focus in the update. Google is adding filters like genre that let you specify your preferences when searching for a new game without having to browse the app charts. This allows for a more personalized and efficient app discovery process.
PC users are not left out either. Google has added PC support to Google Play Games with the Google Play Games beta desktop app, allowing you to play Android games on your PC. Over the next few weeks, Google is rolling out multi-game capabilities, enabling users to play two games simultaneously and competitively, essentially providing multiplayer support for PC users.
The update also introduces collections, a widget that can be added to your home screen. This widget displays your downloaded apps, books, TV shows, and other content, allowing easy access to what you were previously using. This feature was previously available in the Nexus 7 era and is now making a return for all users.
The Play Point system, launched in 2018, is getting an update with weekly events called Super Weekly Prizes. Users will now be able to enter drawings for physical prizes, including Pixel gear like a Pixel Watch, Pixel Buds Pro, and even phones. However, this feature is only available to Gold, Platinum, and Diamond members and only for users in the U.S., U.K., Japan, South Korea, or Taiwan.
Lastly, Google is introducing new controls for app data. Users can head to Personalization in Play on the main menu to find the new controls that allow them to choose which apps are used inside Google Play. This gives users more control over their privacy and data usage within the Google Play app.
