Google’s Play Store will soon be getting a big revamp. The app marketplace is getting the AI treatment, unlocking a selection of new features as well as an overall redesign. This includes a new tab, Play Games experience, and a personal interests section.
This is part of Google’s overall goal to make the Play Store more of a destination, not just a place people log into to download an app.
“For over 4 billion users, Google Play is an important gateway to discovering apps, games, books, movies, TV, and timely cultural content, and our ambition is to help all users engage with the apps and content that fuel their needs and interests,” Aurash Mahbod, the Google Play Games VP and General Manager, told TechCrunch.
So, what will this new update look like, and what new features are coming to the Play Store?
Games
Google has announced that it will be developing the gaming experience via the Google Play Store. Where features have been separated across apps, games, and experiences, Google is trying to bring the entire experience solely into the Play Store.
These updates are also seen in the gamer profile. This lets you track stats and achievements across games and devices in one place. One of the AI updates that has been revealed is the ability to add a Gen AI avatar.
This update will similarly see improvements to the way that Google Play Points work. More ways to earn and use points have been added, and a new way to play with friends via leagues will be added.
The most notable addition to the way games work on the Google Play Store is the addition of Sidekick. This is an in-game overlay that can be activated while playing games.
It will display relevant gaming info and provide direct access to Gemini Live for real-time guidance. This feature has been built in collaboration with Google DeepMind to make Sidekick more helpful for gamers.
Gemini, in theory, will be able to give advice on the game you’re playing and examine the screen to assist.
New tab for you
Google is also adding a new ‘You’ tab in the Google Play Store. This will house any and all information specifically about your experience, including subscriptions, stats and updates.
With the addition of AI features, the Google Play Store should now better know the kind of apps, media and experiences to offer you, learning the connections between your interests.
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