Google has announced a sweeping update to the Play Store, aimed at making the platform more personalized, engaging, and AI-driven. The refresh includes a redesigned Apps tab, a new Play Games experience, a You tab tailored to individual interests, and several features powered by Gemini AI. The changes are designed to turn Google Play into more than just a download hub, positioning it as a destination for entertainment, discovery, and community.
According to Aurash Mahbod, VP and GM of Google Play Games, the Play Store now serves over 4 billion users worldwide. The company’s goal is to help people engage with apps, games, books, movies, and cultural content in a way that reflects their personal needs and passions. Naturally, AI is at the center of this transformation.
One of the standout features is Guided Search, which lets users describe what they’re looking for instead of naming a specific app. For instance, typing “find a home” will recommend real estate apps. The Apps tab is also evolving with curated spaces around seasonal themes and user interests. These collections bring together content from multiple apps — from sports leagues like the WNBA in the U.S. to cricket in India or comics in Japan. In Korea, curated video spaces will highlight films, dramas, and short-form content, acknowledging its dominance on mobile devices.
The new You tab acts as a personalized hub where users can track subscriptions, Play Points, recommendations, and recent activity. It will also feature personalized suggestions across movies, podcasts, and e-books, while gamers gain profiles with stats, achievements, and customizable AI-generated avatars.
Gaming is getting a major push too. The revamped Games tab centralizes leagues, rewards, and community. The introduction of Play Games Sidekick, an AI-powered in-game assistant, allows players to ask Gemini Live for real-time tips without leaving their game. The feature launches with titles from EA and Netmarble, such as Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes and Solo Leveling: Arise. Enhanced Game Detail Pages will also provide ongoing updates, developer news, and a Q&A section for community-driven support.
Finally, Google Play Games on PC, which already boasts access to over 200,000 titles, is officially graduating from beta. Together, these updates show Google’s intent to evolve Play into a smarter, more interactive ecosystem where AI, personalization, and community meet.
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