Google Play Tests App Comparison Feature - What You Need to Know

Google is currently evaluating a new functionality designed to enhance the process of finding Android applications on Google Play. The company has verified that it is conducting trials with a “Compare Apps” function, which aims to provide Google Play users with a faster and simpler way to discern the subtle distinctions between apps that appear comparable by contrasting their specific capabilities and performance indicators – such as user ratings or the number of installations, for example.

The discovery of this feature was initially made by Android Police, who located it at the end of the listing page for a media application within the Play Store (version 22.4.28).

Google has acknowledged the feature’s existence, clarifying that it is presently available only to a limited number of users as part of a testing phase.

Following the display of app specifics and user feedback, a comparative table appeared, enabling users to assess the VLC Player app against other media players based on criteria like “Ease of Use,” offline playback support, and specialized media player features – including video resolution (HD, SD, etc.) and control options (gesture controls, playback functions, progress bar, etc.).

The functionality may utilize information gathered from inquiries made to app reviewers, although this aspect remains uncertain. It also incorporates existing data, such as the overall star rating and the total number of downloads the app has received.

Traditionally, Google Play displays a list of “similar apps” at the bottom of app listing pages in place of this comparison chart. This is comparable to Apple’s “You Might Also Like” suggestions and is a common practice among app stores. The purpose of “similar apps” is to direct users exploring apps toward others within the same category. However, deciding which app to download often involves reviewing app descriptions and user reviews, which can be a lengthy process.

A comparison chart would allow users to more rapidly identify the app that best suits their requirements, avoiding the need to spend time researching or downloading multiple apps only to discover they lack a desired feature.

Google communicated to TechCrunch that this is a “small experiment” currently in progress, but stated there are no current intentions for a wider release. This is regrettable!