Google Play Store Gets AI-Powered Updates & New Features

Google Play Store Receives Major Update with Personalized Features

Google announced on Tuesday a series of modifications to the Play Store’s appearance and functionality. These changes are designed to enhance personalization for users and boost overall engagement with the platform.

Key Updates to the Google Play Store

Several new features are being introduced, including a revamped Apps tab, a fresh experience for Play Games, and a dedicated tab centered around user interests. Furthermore, the update integrates capabilities powered by Gemini AI.

This update expands upon recent improvements aimed at transforming the Play Store into a more comprehensive destination. Features like a tab showcasing viewing options for favorite shows and Collections – which categorize apps and games into sections like shop, watch, and listen – contribute to this goal.

Aurash Mahbod, VP and General Manager of Google Play Games, explained to TechCrunch during a press briefing that the Play Store serves as a crucial access point for over 4 billion users.

He stated that Google’s ambition is to assist all users in discovering and interacting with apps and content that cater to their specific requirements and passions.

Integration of Artificial Intelligence

As anticipated, the update incorporates AI-powered functionality into the Play Store experience.

This integration aims to provide users with more relevant and tailored recommendations, enhancing their overall discovery process within the app ecosystem.

The changes reflect Google’s ongoing commitment to evolving the Play Store beyond a simple app repository, positioning it as a central hub for digital content and entertainment.

Enhanced App Discovery with AI and New Play Store Features

Google is introducing a new feature, Guided Search, to the Play Store. This allows users to locate applications or games by describing their desired outcome or concept, rather than relying on specific app names.

For instance, a user seeking property options can simply input “find a home” and be directed to relevant real estate applications.

Updates to the Apps Tab with Curated Content

The Play Store’s Apps tab is undergoing a redesign. It will now incorporate new “curated spaces” centered around timely seasonal themes and personalized user preferences.

These spaces will aggregate content from various applications, as indicated by Google. Currently, in the United States, content pertaining to the WNBA will be prominently displayed within these curated areas.

Expansion of Curated Spaces Globally

This rollout builds upon the initial launch of curated spaces in India and Japan. These earlier iterations focused on regionally specific interests, such as cricket and comics, respectively.

Furthermore, users in Korea will soon have access to a dedicated curated space concentrating on video content. This will encompass a diverse range of options, including films, television programs, and short-form videos, with a particular emphasis on serialized dramas and stories.

Google highlights that short-form video is the predominant form of media consumption on smartphones.

The New 'You' Tab in Google Play

Google’s redesigned Play Store introduces a new 'You' tab. This feature is designed to increase user engagement with the platform by providing a central hub for various account-related functions.

Within this tab, users can easily manage their subscriptions, monitor Play Points rewards, and stay informed about personalized recommendations, usage statistics, and important updates.

Personalized Recommendations and Content Discovery

The 'You' tab delivers content suggestions tailored to individual user preferences. These recommendations encompass a wide range of media, including films, television programs, podcasts, e-books, and audiobooks.

This functionality streamlines the process of resuming previously enjoyed content, whether it be a book being read, a podcast being listened to, or a video being watched.

Enhanced Gamer Profiles

For gaming enthusiasts, the 'You' tab showcases their updated gamer profile. This profile consolidates gaming statistics and achievements across all games and connected devices.

Furthermore, these profiles now support customization through the use of avatars generated by GenAI technology.

Key Features Summarized

• Centralized subscription management.
• Tracking of Play Points rewards.
• Personalized content recommendations.
• Comprehensive gaming statistics and achievements.
• Customizable gamer profiles with GenAI avatars.

Updates to the Games Section and an AI Assistant

Following the release of the new Games application, designed to rival Apple’s iOS 26, several new features are being introduced for gaming enthusiasts.

The Games tab is now designed to function as a central hub. It consolidates the tracking of statistics and achievements, along with rewards and community features, all in a single location. Play Games Leagues will enable users to challenge their contacts and participate in competitions for Play Points. The inaugural league will focus on the widely-played game, Subway Surfers, running from October 10th to October 23rd.

However, the most noteworthy update is the integration of the AI-powered Play Games Sidekick. This new in-game overlay provides access to real-time gaming assistance through Gemini Live.

The intention is to allow players to request assistance from Gemini when encountering difficulties within a game, receiving guidance or helpful suggestions. This functionality expands upon the AI agent development showcased by Google and DeepMind in December.

“Rather than needing to exit a game to search for tutorials or walkthroughs, we are utilizing the latest Gemini audio-to-audio model to understand the player’s gaming situation,” explained Mahbod. “This allows us to deliver prompt responses and encouragement.”

The Sidekick will also gather and organize pertinent gaming information in one convenient place, ensuring players remain immersed in their gameplay. Initial support for this feature will be available within games from EA and Netmarble, including Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes, FC Mobile, and Solo Leveling: Arise.

Furthermore, Game Detail Pages have been enhanced. These pages will now display comprehensive information about each title, including current events, updates from developers, and available offers. Gamers will also be able to pose questions and exchange answers on these pages next month, fostering a collaborative support environment.

Google also announced that Google Play Games on PC, which brings over 200,000 games to Windows desktops, is officially exiting its beta phase today.