Google has rolled out an update to its Play Services and Play Store, introducing a range of new features aimed at enhancing user experience and functionality.
Play Services update brings IMEI to your lock screen
The latest iteration of Google Play Services, version 26.28, allows users to display their device’s IMEI number directly on the lock screen. This feature can be particularly beneficial for those who misplace their devices, as it provides a quick reference for recovery. However, it is worth noting that displaying the IMEI could pose security risks, enabling potential tracking or cloning of the device. Google has opted to give users the discretion to enable or disable this feature upon its rollout.
Currently, the IMEI display option appears to be a server-side rollout, meaning it may not yet be accessible on all devices, even with the latest version installed.
Other new additions with the Google Play Services update
In addition to the IMEI feature, the Play Services update brings several quality-of-life enhancements:
- Apps can now request audio permissions within WebViews, allowing for smoother functionality when users interact with linked content that requires audio.
- On Android TV, the update introduces support for the Android Credential Manager, simplifying access to saved passwords and passkeys. Users can also authenticate using their phones for added convenience.
The complete changelog for Google Play Services v26.28 includes:
- Account Management
- [Phone] Support for audio permission in WebViews.
- [Phone] Device manufacturers can now initiate storage management and subscription flows.
- Developer Services
- [TV] Added TV support for the Android Credential Manager.
- Device Connectivity
- [Auto, Phone, TV] Enhanced quality logging.
- [Phone] Bug fixes for Device Connections services.
- Safety & Emergency
- [Phone] IMEI can now be found on the lock screen.
- Wallet
- [Phone] Users will return to their previous screen after completing, canceling, or encountering an error in My Account.
What’s new in the Google Play Store
The Google Play Store has also been updated to version 52.4, featuring several noteworthy changes:
- The introduction of natural language queries enhances search capabilities.
- Search suggestions and the input box have been expanded to two lines for improved usability.
- Users in India, Nigeria, and Indonesia will benefit from limited mobile data usage for restoring apps.
- During app installation, users can now opt to add an app’s widgets directly to their home screen, catering to those who enjoy utilizing widgets.
The full changelog for Google Play Store v52.4 includes:
- [Phone] Natural language queries are now displayed.
- [Phone] Expanded search suggestions and input box to two lines.
- [Phone] Limited mobile data usage for app restoration in select countries.
- [Phone] Option to add an app’s widget during installation.
To ensure your device is equipped with the latest features, users can navigate to Settings > Google settings > All Services > Privacy and security > System services to update their Google System Services. Enabling automatic updates is also recommended to maintain access to the most current version of Google’s offerings.