Google has updated its Play Store to improve user experience, particularly in gaming. Key features include a revamped Google Play Games with a new platform-level gamer profile for tracking stats and achievements, which can be personalized with a Gen AI Avatar. The update enhances gameplay on Android and PC by offering rewards and connecting users with real-world experiences. The Play Games Sidekick, a real-time in-game overlay powered by Google's Gemini Live, provides contextual guidance without interrupting gameplay. Google Play Games on PC has exited beta with over 200,000 titles available. The Play Store introduces a new "You" tab for personalized content, featuring rewards, subscriptions, and tailored recommendations, including audiobook suggestions and podcast continuation. The Apps tab will also see enhancements with new entertainment sections and a Guided Search feature using AI to help users find specific apps. These updates are currently available for users.
Google Play is transforming into a personalized entertainment and gaming hub, enhancing user experience through curated content. The Apps tab now features entertainment corners, seasonal spotlights, and curated content like trending shows and webcomics. Guided Search allows users to type in specific goals, and the platform's AI organizes relevant options. A unified gamer profile tracks stats and achievements across devices, while Gen AI Avatars allow for personalized expression. The Play Points rewards system is integrated across mobile and PC, and Play Games Leagues will launch on October 10. The Sidekick overlay offers in-game tips, and Google Play Games on PC has launched with over 200,000 titles. The new You tab consolidates subscriptions, rewards, and audiobooks into a single feed, starting rollout in select markets this week.
Google has introduced enhancements to the app discovery experience in the Google Play Store, featuring "spaces" and a new "Guided Search" function. The spaces feature will be positioned at the top of the Apps tab, offering curated collections based on specific themes, and is expanding globally after initial tests in India and Japan. In Korea, an entertainment space will showcase various media, while U.S. users can access trending TV shows and movies from platforms like HBO Max and Peacock, as well as free web comic samples. Guided Search allows users to input broader queries to find apps, presenting results with enhanced visibility and categorized listings, marked with an “Organized with AI” label. Both features are rolling out gradually across devices.
