Any ordinary Android smartphone user will tell you how fond they are of the Google Play Store; especially when it comes to setting up a device for app use. But then came the evolving trend of large and foldable devices — which require a unique approach when it comes to functionality.
Google has found an exciting solution for these. This is through the unveil of a new version of its Play Store, specifically designed for large screen devices. You’d definitely link this move to enhancing user experience and adapting to the changing landscape of device usage.
The new Play Store is a game-changer for users of large screen devices such as tablets and foldable phones. It offers a more immersive and user-friendly experience, with a layout and design that take full advantage of the larger screen real estate.
The new design is not just about aesthetics; it’s about functionality and ease of use. It’s about making the most of what large screen devices have to offer.
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Notable features
One of the most notable features of the new Play Store is the “See on your device” option. This feature allows users to preview apps on their device before downloading them.
It’s a significant upgrade that adds a new level of interactivity and personalization to the app selection process. Users can now get a feel for how an app will look and function on their device, making it easier to make informed decisions about which apps to download.
The new Play Store also includes a “Featured for Large Screens” section. This section highlights apps that are specifically designed or optimized for large screen devices.
It’s a great resource for users looking for apps that will make the most of their device’s capabilities. It also encourages developers to create apps that are tailored to large screen devices, fostering a more diverse and high-quality app ecosystem.
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Supporting developers too
Google’s new Play Store is not just about improving the user experience for large screen device users. It’s also about supporting developers. The tech giant has introduced new tools and resources to help developers optimize their apps for large screen devices.
These include detailed guidelines on designing for large screens, as well as a new emulator for testing apps on large screen devices. These resources are a clear indication of Google’s commitment to supporting developers in creating the best possible apps for large screen devices.
How Google’s new Play Store for large devices works
The new Play Store will feature refreshed app listing pages, ranking and quality improvements, streamlined store navigation, and a split-screen search experience.
The app listing pages have been revamped to put the content front and center, with games featuring high-quality videos showing a video banner at the top of their app listing page. The ranking changes will boost the quality across Play, promoting apps that adhere to Google’s large screen app quality guidelines.
The store navigation has been simplified with a left-side navigation rail on larger screens, making menu items more accessible. Lastly, the split-screen search experience will display search results and app details pages side by side, streamlining the discovery process.
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When does the new Play Store roll out?
These changes are set to roll out in late August. This gives developers ample time to use Android vitals in the Play Console or the reporting API to monitor and improve their app’s stability metrics. The new Play Store is just the beginning of Google’s journey in creating a tailored experience for large screens.
Bottom line
Google’s new Play Store for large screen devices is a significant step forward in the tech world. It offers a more immersive and user-friendly experience for users, while also providing valuable resources for developers.
It’s a testament to Google’s commitment to innovation and user experience, and it’s a clear indication of the direction in which the tech world is moving.
As large screen devices become increasingly popular, we can expect to see more tech companies following in Google’s footsteps, creating products and services that cater to this growing market.
