- Google Play Store has introduced new features, including a home screen widget called Collections.
- AI-generated reviews and enhanced search controls improve user experience.
- A new manga section in Japan showcases exclusive content, leaving global fans wanting more.
Google is rolling out a significant Android Play Store update, aimed at simplifying app discovery. Among the various new features, a dedicated section for manga has been introduced, though it’s currently exclusive to Japan.
Enhanced App Discovery with Collections
The most notable addition to this update is the home screen widget called Collections. This widget helps users keep track of app activities and receive recommendations. Depending on user preference, collections can be customized to different layouts, from a full-screen view to a single-line bar.
It categorizes apps into sections like Watch, which offers video recommendations from platforms like YouTube and streaming services. It also features a Continue Watching section that allows users to resume shows or movies from where they left off.
There’s Listen for Music, podcasts, and Shop, which highlight deals and help users return to active shopping carts in other apps. Although Collections is available for download from the Play Store, it seems the feature is still rolling out and might not be fully functional yet.
Attempts to install the widget have sometimes resulted in it not appearing on Android devices.
AI-Driven Improvements
As with many recent updates, Google is leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance the Play Store experience. Following the AI-generated reviews introduced at the I/O 2024 event, this update uses AI to help users compare apps within similar categories.
The comparison page highlights an app’s key features, download count, and functionality, making it easier for users to choose the best option.
Moreover, Google has added new search controls, starting with interest filters for video games. These filters allow users to narrow down their search by genre, whether they prefer action-packed titles or brain-teasing puzzles.
Another significant addition is the Personalization in Play feature, which lets users manage their app data and control their experience on the platform. For instance, revoking data-sharing permissions from a fitness app would result in fewer fitness-related recommendations.
Exclusive Manga Section for Japan
Arguably the most exciting addition is the new Comics section, but it’s exclusive to Japan. Google has collaborated with Japanese publishers to create a comprehensive manga section that includes first-chapter previews, editor picks, fan reviews, and trailers.
Japanese users can access this content without installing a separate app, as it’s integrated directly into the Play Store.
Despite manga’s global popularity, this feature’s exclusivity to Japan is a disappointment to fans worldwide. Google has not announced any plans to expand this feature beyond Japan, leaving many manga enthusiasts wishing for a broader release.
We have reached out to Google for more information on whether they plan to expand the Comics section globally and the exact timeline for the Play Store update rollout. We will update this story as more information becomes available.
