Google makes sure the Play Store’s interface is constantly evolving so that things always seem fresh and new anytime you’re thinking of installing an app. As most Android users already know, Google is always looking ahead to a fault, focused on the next big thing and the latest catchy features. After months of digging into code and uncovering hidden flags in the app, Android researcherAssembleDebughas revealed several upcoming changes spotted in development for the Play Store app.
Google Play Store Cubes is a feature shrouded in secrecy. As reported onThe SP Android, this mysterious feature has been in the works since January 2023, appearing initially as a mere skeletal user interface. Over the following months, however, it has evolved. Now it includes a widget and an array of category icons for various apps and games, such as food, social, music, videos, and more. These “cubes” might serve as a central hub for discovering fresh content across different categories, providing users with a curated experience. Yet, the specifics of this feature remain largely speculative.
While Cubes retains its enigmatic nature, Download Buddy is more straightforward. This feature, still under development, promises to enhance the user experience during app downloads. Upon hitting theInstallbutton for an app, a movable floating down-arrow will appear on the screen’s side. This bubble will display the ongoing download progress, ensuring users no longer have to return to the home screen or app listing page. It’s a simple, yet notably user-centric feature.
The SP Android also uncovered more evidence of thefilter chips we had previously spotted, which will allow you to browse the Play Store by device compatibility with the aim being to let you remotely trigger app installs on your tablet, watch, TV, or other device from your phone. In addition to minor UI changes spotted in development, work has also started on an Open App Reminders feature, which notifies users about apps they haven’t accessed for a specific period. This resonates withan older feature from 2019, when the Play Store began suggesting that users remove unused apps, making it easier for them to declutter their devices.
The landscape of the Play Store is perpetually changing. Whether these shifts are user-centric, monetization strategies, or a mix of both, Android enthusiasts will surely keep a close eye on the developments, awaiting the day these features become a reality.
