In a subtle yet impactful move, Google has introduced an update to the Play Store app that enhances the user experience by allowing newly installed applications to open automatically. This feature, which has been in testing since June, was initially brought to light by developer @AssembleDebug through modifications to the Play Store’s APK.
Google Play Store now auto-opens new apps after 5 seconds of being installed
According to screenshots shared by tech analyst Mishaal Rahman, the updated version of the Google Play Store now includes a toggle for the “Automatically open after install” option. This feature becomes visible immediately after a user clicks the install button on any app’s page. Once activated, the Play Store will launch the newly installed app five seconds post-installation.
For users who opt into this feature, a notification will appear, complete with a countdown timer, indicating when the app will be opened. This new functionality is part of the Google Play Store app version 42.5.15 and is being rolled out globally in phases, meaning it may take some time before it appears on all Android devices.
This enhancement is particularly beneficial for users who often forget to open apps after installation, as it streamlines the app installation process on Android devices. Interestingly, this feature was not available in earlier versions of Android, marking a significant improvement in user engagement.
The Play Store will soon start showing app ratings inside the icon for different form factors
In addition to the auto-open feature, Google is also developing a new way to display app ratings within the Play Store. Currently, users can view ratings for apps through dedicated icons for various devices, requiring a click to access specific ratings. However, an upcoming update aims to simplify this process.
The forthcoming update will integrate ratings directly into the dedicated icons for different products, eliminating the need for additional clicks to view an app’s ratings for specific devices. This feature is currently being tested with a select group of users and is expected to be rolled out soon, further enhancing the overall user experience on the platform.
