Redesigned Google Play app plays up entertainment
Launching today, the marketplace makeover offers improved content discovery, cleaner layout.
Google is giving its Google Play marketplace app a makeover, with an emphasis on a simpler layout and content discovery.
Rolling out today to Android phones and tablets, the app's redesigned user interface specifically is intended to improve the entertainment experience, whether it's listening to an album, reading a book, or playing a game. The new interface features a lighter background and larger images that are set in cards, the same presentation format Google uses in its Google Now predictive search feature.
The makeover also automatically groups together similarly themed content to help users discover related magazines or apps. As a person scrolls down the page, more recommendations appear.
Google also has simplified the checkout process so that users can enjoy their selections as quickly as possible.
The overhaul was rumored for weeks, with various sites publishing screenshots showing off several alleged design tweaks for Google Play. Originally called the Android Marketplace, the Google Play marketplace was renamed when Google added movies, e-books, and music.
The redesigned app is available today to Android phones and tablets running Android 2.2 (Froyo) and above.
Updated at 7:30 p.m. PT to correct original name of Google Play.