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Betas will now appear in Play Store search, localized suggestions for Brazil & India, more

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The Play Store is adding a few features for both developers and users. Betas are now easier to find and join from the Play Store with Google even highlighting beta apps in a new Early Access section. The store also has new smart collections for tasks that require a combination of apps.

Leaked earlier this week, users no longer have to join a Google Group set up by developers and opt-in on a special page to join betas. Opting in can now be done right from an app’s listing on mobile. Additionally, leaving a beta is simpler and the Play Store now states which app version is installed. Users will also be able to send private feedback through the listing page.

Apps that are available only as open beta and aren’t in production will soon appear in Play search results. A new Google Play Early Access featured section on the store will showcase a hand-picked group of promising open betas.

Other discovery features include contextual collections for tasks that require a combination of apps. Google cites buying a house and requiring multiple apps for finding real estate, getting a mortgage, and moving. Apps in these collections are automatically chosen and do not require developers to do anything.

Google has also revamped how it selects apps in key markets like India and Brazil to better showcase apps that are more relevant and made by local developers.

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