Google has announced a series of updates to make using the Play Store more fun. It’s part of a larger move by the company to transform its online marketplace into a “holistic experience that’s much more than a store.” You read that right. They want us to have fun on Google Play.
Here’s what the company has planned. The update brings AI-generated review summaries drawn from user reviews to build consensus. Chances are, you’ve come across this kind of stuff on Facebook and while using Google search. The company announced this feature for the first time this year’s I/O event.
This AI-adjacent approach will also extend to auto-generated FAQs about every app supported by Gemini models. Additionally, there will be AI-generated highlights that offer a brief summary of a particular app. Google showed off a still image of this for its photo editing app, where highlights include the number of filters and layouts available, in addition to tools and sharing options. This AI approach will allow users to quickly compare apps in similar categories.
Google is also expanding shared locations in the Play Store. These aren’t communities or mini-social networks like Reddit or something, but rather jumping-off pages for various topics of interest. The company has started this project with a pilot involving cricket. The shared space allowed users in India to “explore all cricket content across channels in one, convenient place”. It includes relevant videos, around 100 cricket related apps and some simple user surveys. The next curation area will be about Japanese manga. There is no word on when this feature will expand to the few categories available to global users.
The whole “shop for a new game to play” experience is also getting an upgrade that focuses on discovery first. Google promises me “enriched game details” pages complete with developer YouTube videos and clearly marked promotions that remind me of Steam. This even extends to the post-purchase experience, as returning users will see updated developer notes and a section for tips and tricks. The app is in early access and is currently only available to English language users. There are also some new games coming to Google the often overlooked Play Passwhom Asphalt legends unite and Candy Crush Sagaand a feature that allows users to play multiple games simultaneously on their PC.
Finally, this update has some customization items. The new Collections feature provides custom categories based on previously purchased apps. This means that each Google Play home screen will be different for each user, offering an easy way to continue a show or end a video game.
Many of these improvements are starting to roll out today, although some are still in early access. Others, like shared spaces, still have some kinks to work out.
