Google Rolling Out New Play Store Today

[tubemonkey]

Google rolls out new media focused design for Google Play store

Summary: Google has a full media ecosystem and to help highlight this content they are rolling out a new look for Google Play on Android devices.

Google has come a long way over the past couple of years in getting a media ecosystem setup for Android and there is no longer a gap between iOS and Android when it comes to music, books, magazines, movies, and TV shows. To continue with a focus on entertainment, especially with larger screen Android smartphones and tablets, Google just announced a "fresh new look" for Google Play.

Official Announcement -- A fresh new look for Google Play

Whether you’re in the mood to listen to Justin Timberlake’s new album, read Harlan Coben’s latest bestseller or discover a new game to play, you want the experience of finding and making your purchase to be quick and easy. Today we’ve started rolling out a redesigned Google Play store on Android phones and tablets that is simple, clean and — most importantly — helps you find great entertainment, fast.

For those who want the upgrade now, here's a link to the APK:

Download the new Google Play Store 4.0

If you wanted to see how things have changed for yourself, though, you won’t have to wait for the rollout to hit you. The APK has been uploaded for all to download. This is a rather simple affair — download it, transfer it to your phone, and install it as you would any other app that isn’t in the Play Store. This version — 4.0.25 — will be installed on top of your current Play Store installation as if the update had come through over-the-air, so get to it and let us know what you think in the comments below!

Here's a comparison video of the old and new store:

Google Play Store 4.0: New vs Old

[afv011]

Looks much nicer, but those outside the US be aware that the main page is currently not populated, only shows the main categories. The rest seems to work fine.

[shanghaichica]

I downloaded this earlier. I've not had a proper look around yet but it seems to look a lot better than the previous incarnation.

[shanghaichica]

Originally Posted by afv011

Looks much nicer, but those outside the US be aware that the main page is currently not populated, only shows the main categories. The rest seems to work fine.

I noticed this and wondered what was up. Is that something that will be fixed in a later update ?

[JD Gumby]

Ugh. Looks as bad as the Overdrive redesign.

[forsooth]

Google continues rising.

[afv011]

Originally Posted by shanghaichica

I noticed this and wondered what was up. Is that something that will be fixed in a later update ?

Looks like this page is dynamically populated based on your location, and Google has not rolled out the update in some countries, so nothing's being fetched on the main page. Once Google pushes this update to more countries we should start seeing content.

[SeaKing]

Will the new Facebook package for Androids be available at the Play Store?

[afv011]

Originally Posted by SeaKing

Will the new Facebook package for Androids be available at the Play Store?

Yes, but why would anybody want to use that? It's a sure way for Facebook to access all of your data, and they have already said that they will add ads to the app in the future. This app is just another means for Facebook to monetize your data. I don't have, never had, never will have a Facebook account.

Note that they listed a set of supported devices, so Facebook may limit the devices where their app will be allowed to install.

[SeaKing]

Originally Posted by afv011

Yes, but why would anybody want to use that? It's a sure way for Facebook to access all of your data, and they have already said that they will add ads to the app in the future. This app is just another means for Facebook to monetize your data. I don't have, never had, never will have a Facebook account.

Note that they listed a set of supported devices, so Facebook may limit the devices where their app will be allowed to install.

I don't have a Facebook account either, at least not directly. I do have a surrogate account so I can look at stuff.

I am getting to be an old guy, I guess. Not chasing after a "social" life so much any more, but a lot of people are, and they will use it.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by SeaKing

I don't have a Facebook account either, at least not directly. I do have a surrogate account so I can look at stuff.

I am getting to be an old guy, I guess. Not chasing after a "social" life so much any more, but a lot of people are, and they will use it.

I have a fake account too; with a fake name, fake bio, etc

[Jabby]

The new Play Store showed up on my Galaxy Note today. One of the best downgrades in the history of tablets.

Small light fonts on a stark white background. Probably works for a twenty year old with 20/10 vision, but tough on the old timers. The prize for the best choice to further the downgrade was the person who made the choice of a light green button with white text: Pure genius!

[afv011]

Originally Posted by Jabby

The new Play Store showed up on my Galaxy Note today. One of the best downgrades in the history of tablets.

Small light fonts on a stark white background. Probably works for a twenty year old with 20/10 vision, but tough on the old timers. The prize for the best choice to further the downgrade was the person who made the choice of a light green button with white text: Pure genius!

Well, at least you don't get that annoying dialog after installing an app with suggestions on what else to install.

The look is cleaner, I think it's an improvement.