“More than just a store”: Google introduced a major update to the Play Store

Google has added several new features to its Google Play app store. “Collections” have appeared, which organize content from user-owned applications into categories. Google Play Pass has become more versatile. In Japan, Google has launched a special space for comics that will allow you to view the first chapters without installing third-party applications. More rewards have been added to the rewards program, including Pixel devices.

Google unveiled updates to its app store today at a media briefing in New York. Google Play Vice President Sam Bright announced the launch of several updates announced at Google I/O, such as app reviews created by artificial intelligence. These AI features are expanded with a new tool that will make it easier to compare apps in similar categories (such as photo editing software or fitness apps).

Bright then moved on to some bigger innovations. The first of these was a new section of the app store called Collections. Collections are designed to display content from apps you’ve already purchased, and organize everything into categories such as Buy, Watch, and Listen. There’s a ‘Continue Watching’ option for various streaming apps, as well as the latest deals from select retailers. “When your app’s content is in one place, it’s easier to pick up where you left off,” Google said in a blog post.

Image source: Google

Gaming is another important area of ​​today’s updates. When searching, you can now choose from a list of interest filters to refine the types of games Play offers. Starting today, Play Games users on PC can run multiple games at the same time, for example, you can update one game while playing another. Google launched Play Games for PC in beta in 2022 and continues to focus on improving it.

Android users in Japan are getting a new space entirely dedicated to comics. The tab will appear directly on the Google Play home screen. “You can access comics-related content in one place, including free first-chapter previews, live streams and trailers, editor’s picks, and fan reviews, even from apps you don’t install,” Google said in a blog post. Google had previously implemented a similar approach in India by adding a dedicated cricket section.

Google is committed to giving users more data control for personalized Play recommendations. It is now possible to specify applications with sensitive information that should not be taken into account in store personalization algorithms. This option is available in the “Personalization in Play” item of the main menu.

Google has also made efforts to make its Play Points rewards program more attractive by adding “super weekly prizes.” Available to Gold, Platinum and Diamond members, they upgrade regular prizes to include Pixel devices, Razer gaming products and more. Prizes will change weekly and can be claimed through the Play Points privileges tab.

Together, these changes are designed to make Google Play “a comprehensive experience that is more than just a store,” a company spokesperson said.