Google Play

638 'Google Play' stories March 2012 - October 2013

Before the unified Play branding, Google had the Android Market, Google Music, and Google eBookstore. Google decided to merge and rebrand its individual digital offerings into the Play Store in March of 2012.

The Play Store is now the default place to purchase apps, movies & television, music, books, and news subscriptions for all Android devices. The latter four offerings having their individual Android and iOS apps to watch, listen, and read purchased content. Most content can also be accessed through the web.

In April of 2016, the suite of icons were redesigned in a similar style to provide a consistent look across all devices and the web.

Upcoming Nexus 5 leaks in white, Nov. 1 launch date reported

Mark Gurman Oct 27 2013 - 10:36 am PT

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After leaking a clear image of the black model yesterday, prolific leaker @evleaks has posted a render of the upcoming Nexus 5 in a white color option. As can be seen in the image above, the white model is actually a two-tone device: a black front, a white back, and black accents around the sides and rear-camera system…

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Latest YouTube update hints at upcoming background audio support

Chance Miller Oct 23 2013 - 2:23 pm PT

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While from the outside, the most recent YouTube update looked rather minor, Android Police has done some deep digging and discovered a couple of very interesting tidbits regarding future features coming to the app. First off, the APK file makes several hints at background audio support. This means that you will be able to start a video within the YouTube app and navigate to another app and not have your content disrupted. Currently, leaving the YouTube app makes your video automatically pause. Android Police notes that the feature should work when the device’s screen is off, as well.

Within the YouTube app now, the settings option for background audio is hidden, but Android Police managed to reveal the options for a very brief period of time. Regarding the upcoming offline feature, the APK teardown also revealed some of the dialogue messages users will be presented with, though they’re all pretty standard.

Background audio support will be huge for listening to music via YouTube, in addition to other things, such as podcasts and videos. It’s unclear when the feature will launch, but between this and offline video support, YouTube for Android is about to get a lot more useful.
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BlackBerry announces 5 million downloads of BBM for Android and iOS only 8 hours after release

Mike Beasley Oct 21 2013 - 9:47 pm PT

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BlackBerry revealed via the official BBM Twitter account that in the first eight hours since launching BBM for Android and iPhone, the app has been downloaded over by over 5 million customers across both platforms.

That number could actually be much higher, as the 5 million applies only to the number of users whose accounts have been activated for use. BlackBerry did not specify how many more users were still waiting to be activated, if any.

[tweet https://twitter.com/BBM/statuses/392474565059686400 align=’center’]

Leaked screenshots show updated Play Store app with slide-out navigation

Chance Miller Oct 16 2013 - 4:36 pm PT

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Over the past few weeks, everyone has been heavily focused on the forthcoming KitKat update and Nexus 5, but Android Police has obtained screenshots of something that should be rolling out to everyone soon. According to the site, Google is currently in the process of redesigning the Play Store, yet again. The changes will keep up with what Google has been doing to its other apps.

The biggest user-interface change comes with the new slide-out navigation panel, which is commonly referred to as “hamburger-style” navigation. In the current version of the Play Store, all of the options are put into a single menu in the upper right corner. With this Play Store update, the menu options will be reduced to just settings and help, while everything will move to the navigation panel.

Store home
My apps, My movies & TV, etc., (varies depending on what section of the Play Store you are in)
Shop (only appears at certain times)
My wishlist
Redeem

As far as release timeframe goes, Android Police expects the update to go live with Android 4.4 at the very minimum, but notes that it may go out earlier. It will compatible with all versions of Android back to Froyo. The blog also notes that the design is a work in progress and may very well change several times before release.
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Your name and face photo can be used in Google ads from 11th November unless you opt out

Ben Lovejoy Oct 11 2013 - 6:52 am PT

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Google has announced a change to its terms of service that will allow the company to use your name, photo and company endorsements to be included in ads from 11th November (via the NYT).

When the new ad policy goes live Nov. 11, Google will be able to show what the company calls shared endorsements on Google sites and across the Web, on the more than two million sites in Google’s display advertising network, which are viewed by an estimated one billion people.

If a user follows a bakery on Google Plus or gives an album four stars on the Google Play music service, for instance, that person’s name, photo and endorsement could show up in ads for that bakery or album …
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HBO shows now being added to Google Play, Game of Thrones included

Chance Miller Oct 7 2013 - 12:14 pm PT

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In an effort to further beef up its content selection, Google has just started adding HBO shows to Google Play. The ever-popular Game of Thrones, Newsroom, and True Blood are now available to purchase episode-by-episode or by season. Boardwalk Empire, Veep, The Wire, and Girls are also now available. Episode pricing varies from $1.99 to $2.99.

Season selections are unfortunately limited at this point, however. For instance, only season one of The Newsroom is available, while only the first two seasons of Game of Thrones are available. Hopefully, as time progresses, more seasons and episodes of these popular HBO shows will become available, but for now, check out the offerings on Google Play.
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Jelly Bean likely to be on majority of Android devices within a week or so

Ben Lovejoy Oct 3 2013 - 4:15 am PT

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The latest Android stats from Google show that Jelly Bean is now installed on 48.6 percent of Android devices, and given current growth rates is likely to break the magic 50 percent barrier within a week or two. Jelly Bean became the most-used version of Android back in July.

The rather less impressive stat is that more than a quarter of devices – 28.5 percent – are still running Gingerbread, which dates back as far as 2010. It’s also worth pointing out that there are couple of fudge-factors in Google’s stats …
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Facebook Android app now lets you edit posts and comments

Jordan Kahn Sep 26 2013 - 11:43 am PT

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Facebook is rolling out an update to its Android app today that brings a much welcomed new feature with the ability to edit posts and comments after sharing. Previously the only option was to delete and or repost a comment, but now users will be able to tap an arrow on each post and select “Edit post” to quickly make and save changes. You’ll also be able to see a history of changes.

The ability to edit posts and comments is rolling out today for Android and on the web.

The updated Android app also includes a few other new features. A full list of what else is new below:

-Use icons in status updates to express what you’re feeling or doing

-See upcoming events at a glance on your favorite Pages

-Create and share new photo albums from your phone

Google Hangouts for Android gets status icons and more

Jordan Kahn Sep 25 2013 - 1:25 pm PT

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Google is rolling out a new version of Google Hangouts today for Android that will bring a couple long requested features to the messaging service. On top of being able to see who is online with new green and grey icons next to contacts, Google is also making it easier to browse contacts and access invites:

– You can see who’s reachable right now on Hangouts. Green icons mean they are, and gray icons mean they aren’t.

– It’s easier to browse your contacts when starting a new Hangout. From top to bottom you’ll now see ‘People you Hangout with’, ‘Suggested People’, and ‘Other Contacts’.

– Hangout invites are now located above your conversations so they’re easier to find.

– Aaaand… you can hide people from the New Hangout screen by pressing on their name for a few seconds and touching ‘Hide contact.’

The update is hitting Google Play in the coming days as version 1.2.

Google beginning to refund unused Google Offers

Jordan Kahn Sep 25 2013 - 6:49 am PT

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As noted by AllThingsD, Google has just started sending out notifications to customers letting them know that they will soon be receiving refunds for unused Google Offers. Offers, which are available through a standalone mobile app as well as the Google Maps and Google Wallet apps, used to force users to purchase coupons ahead of time, much like a Groupon service. Going forward, however, the Offers will act more like traditional coupons with users refunded the full cost of unused deals.

You’ll also be able an additional $4 if you opt for a Google Play credit:

An email from Google to an AllThingsD colleague this week gave her two options: Receive a refund for the full amount of two unused offers, or receive a Google Play credit for that amount, which never expires, plus an additional $4, which will expire in two years.

“Users can now easily discover and save Google Offers in the Maps app, Search, Wallet, and on sites around the Web, without having to purchase them in advance, so we’re refunding previously purchased offers that we believe haven’t been used,” a Google spokesperson said in an emailed statement to AllThingsD.

New York regulators crack down on fake online reviews, is Google Play next?

Jordan Kahn Sep 23 2013 - 7:15 am PT

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The New York Times reports that New York regulators will today announce a new initiative that aims to crackdown on fake reviews online. They’ve already reached settlement agreements with a number of companies and issued fines of around $350,000 to companies purchasing and providing fake reviews, many of which are submitted to services such as Google, Yahoo, and Yelp. Fake reviews have always been an issue for Google Play and just about every mobile app marketplace, so perhaps regulators will soon extend their investigation to mobile app stores as well.

“What we’ve found is even worse than old-fashioned false advertising,” said Eric T. Schneiderman, the New York attorney general. “When you look at a billboard, you can tell it’s a paid advertisement — but on Yelp or Citysearch, you assume you’re reading authentic consumer opinions, making this practice even more deceiving.”

Regulators found that US Coachways, one of the companies included in the investigation, had hired freelance writers to write fake reviews on Yelp and other services:
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Google Play Music update adds ability to create radio stations based on genre

Chance Miller Sep 10 2013 - 6:41 pm PT

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An update is rolling out to the Google Play Music app that bumps it to version 5.2.1204L. Notably, the update adds the ability to create new radio stations based on music genres. Previously, the radio functionality was only available for use by songs, artists, or your past listening history. It’s important to note, however, that an All Access subscription is required for unlimited radio use. Both iTunes Radio and Pandora have had the genre-based station feature for sometime now, so this is a much welcomed feature for Google Music.

Also new in the update is an improved download queue. Now, you have the ability to pause, resume, and cancel songs that are being downloaded at any given time.

All Access Genre Radio is here! Go to Radio or Explore, pick your favorite genre and enjoy unlimited radio based on the music you love.

New download queue that allows pausing, resuming and canceling

The update is available now on the Play Store.
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Roku for Android app allows streaming of video to set-top box – from some devices

Ben Lovejoy Sep 10 2013 - 5:46 am PT

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The latest Roku for Android app allows video as well as audio and photos to be streamed to a Roku set-top box – but only for a limited number of devices.

Play your video from select Android devices to your Roku player. Supported models include: Samsung Galaxy SIII, Samsung Galaxy S4, Nexus 4, HTC One, and Nexus 7 (2012 model). Video playback requires Android 4.0 or later …
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Microsoft releases Xbox Music for Android with ad-free music streaming and cross-platform syncing

Jordan Kahn Sep 9 2013 - 6:45 am PT

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Microsoft released a brand-new Xbox Music app for Android this evening. The app features ad-free streaming from Microsoft’s massive song catalog, with custom stations built around specific artists, songs, or albums. These playlists can be synced to your other Xbox Music-capable devices, such as an Xbox 360.

The app requires an Xbox Music Pass to work, which comes in both free or paid varieties. The app description doesn’t state that a paid subscription is needed, but free accounts are limited to only ten hours per month after the first six months of use. Microsoft also notes that offline listening is coming in a future update.

The Android app is available now for free on Google Play.

A full list of features in the app via Google Play below:

***An Xbox Music Pass is required to use this app.***

Xbox Music brings you all the music you love, every way you want it. Now you can access your Xbox Music Pass on your Android phone, Xbox, Windows 8 PC or tablet, and the web.

Xbox Music Pass on Android features:

• Stream ad-free music from a catalog of tens of millions of songs
• Add songs, albums, and playlists to your Xbox Music collection and access them from other device
• Create playlists that sync across your phone, Xbox 360, PC, tablet, and the web
• Listen to music while using your Android phone
• Enjoy a rich visual experience for searching, viewing, and playing back music

MyGlass Android companion app now acts as remote control for Google Glass

Ben Lovejoy Sep 6 2013 - 4:58 am PT

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MyGlass, the companion app Google created to allow you to screencast your Glass view to anyone with an Android phone, has now been updated to allow it to control Glass, reports Engadget.

The move was in response to feedback from Glass Explorers that “controlling its UI via swipes, nods and voice commands can sometimes be… awkward” …
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Google Play launches ‘A Rock and a Hard Place’ music promotion offering albums as low as $3.99

Sep 4 2013 - 7:13 am PT

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From 9to5Toys.com:

The Google Play music store has kicked off ‘A Rock and a Hard Place’ promotion which offers rock and metal albums for as low as $3.99. There are a total of 90 discounted albums from the biggest classic rock and current metal groups: Guns N’ Roses, Aerosmith, Five Finger Death Punch, Black Sabbath, System of a Down, and more. No word from Google on how long the promo will last so if you see an album you like be sure to grab it soon.

Overlay-killer GO Launcher EX hits #6 in the Android app charts

Ben Lovejoy Sep 2 2013 - 5:05 am PT

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If manufacturers or carriers ever needed evidence that 9to5google is not alone in wishing they’d lay off the overlays, new figures suggest that overlay-killer Go Launcher EX is now the 6th most popular Android app. The app allows you to set your own customised homescreen to replace that set by the manufacturer or carrier …
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Google reportedly blocking Android app for streaming local files to Chromecast

Jordan Kahn Aug 26 2013 - 10:01 am PT

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Developer of the third-party AllCast Android app, Koushik Dutta, says that Google’s latest software update for Chromecast blocks the app’s ability to stream local files to Google’s new $35 streaming device. The app had not yet made its way to Google Play, but Dutta claims (via TheVerge) that Google intentionally disabled support for AllCast in the latest Chromecast software update:

Heads up. Google’s latest Chromecast update intentionally breaks AllCast. They disabled ‘video_playback’ support from the ChromeCast application.Given that this is the second time they’ve purposefully removed/disabled[1] the ability to play media from external sources, it confirms some of my suspicions that I have had about the Chromecast developer program:

The policy seems to be a heavy handed approach, where only approved content will be played through the device. The Chromecast will probably not be indie developer friendly. The Google TV team will likely only whitelist media companies.

So far Google’s Chromecast only officially supports YouTube, Netflix, and content from Google Play, and to help it make deals with other big media companies it looks like it might have to limit access to streaming capabilities for third-party apps. The other side to that of course is that Chromecast allows users to stream a tab from the Chrome browser, which allows users to stream local content from their own devices anyway. Google hasn’t commented on the AllCast situation, but we’ll update you if we hear anything.

Chrome for Android update w/ WebRTC, WebAudio, & improved scrolling now available

Jordan Kahn Aug 21 2013 - 1:17 pm PT

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We noted yesterday that the release of Chrome 29 on Windows, Mac, and Linux would be followed by an update to the Chrome app for Android that brings support for the WebRTC standard and scrolling improvements. Google has just released the update on Google Play and also noted that it includes support for the WebAudio API allowing developers to “process and synthesize audio” in web apps. WebRTC support, as we’ve noted previously, is typically used by developers to implement voice calling, video chatting, and peer-to-peer file sharing in their web apps without the ned of a plugin. Google also says the update includes enhancements to “scrolling responsiveness and visual indication when reaching the end of a page.”

The updated Chrome for Android app also brings a new UI for the color picker in web forms and improved startup performance.

Google Translate for Android updated w/ more languages for camera input translation & handwriting

Jordan Kahn Aug 15 2013 - 3:10 pm PT

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Google announced today on Google+ that its updating its Google Translate app for Android with additional language support for two features including camera input translation and handwriting.

New languages for camera input translation, which allows users to take translate text capture with the device’s camera, include “Afrikaans, Greek, Hebrew and Serbian.” Google notes that the update brings the total number of supported languages supported for the camera translations feature to 34.

Simply tap the camera button, point at the text you want translated and take the picture, and brush over the text you want with your finger—in an instant you’ll see your translation.

The updated app also includes support handwriting characters in two additional languages: Hindi and Thai. That brings the total number of supported languages to 48.

The new version of Google Translate for Android is available for free on Google Play now.

After 5 million downloads, popular game ‘Dots’ makes its way to Android

Jordan Kahn Aug 15 2013 - 6:13 am PT

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After hitting 5 million downloads and over 1 billion games played since launching on iOS a little over 4 months ago, betaworks-backed game “Dots” is today making its way to Android users for the time. The simplistic puzzle game, which sees users “connect as many same-colored dots” as they can during a 60 second timeframe, will be available as a free download sometime later today.

The announcement also comes with a new “moves mode” that does away with the time restriction but introduces a 30 move limit, as well as new trophies and support for a number of new languages, including: German, Spanish, French, Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic.

Keep an eye on the Google Play store for the Dots game arriving any minute now.

Google investigating “Package File Invalid” error preventing Google Play updates/downloads

Jordan Kahn Aug 13 2013 - 12:46 pm PT

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It seems an increasing number of users have been experiencing the old “Package File Invalid” error when attempting to update or download apps from Google Play. While it’s not the first time users have experienced the issue, it does appear that more and more users in recent days have been unable to workaround the issue in order to update and download apps. Good news if you’ve been having the problem, AndroidCentral points us to a Google support thread that confirms the company is investigating the errors:

We’ve received reports that some users are getting “Package File Invalid” while trying to download or update apps.

We’re currently investigating a permanent solution, and there are no workarounds at this time.

We’ll continue to update this page with developments, so check back soon.

New Nexus 7 now available in Canada through Google Play

Jordan Kahn Aug 13 2013 - 11:40 am PT

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Google announced today that its recently launched Nexus 7 is now available to purchase in Canada through Google Play. The availability comes as the device launches in Staples, Best Buy, Future Shop and other retailers today in both the US and Canada, while the device has already been available to customers in the US through Google Play.

For those in Canada, the next generation @Nexus 7 can now be yours: http://t.co/JBfO2nnVoF

— Google Play (@GooglePlay) August 13, 2013

The refreshed Nexus 7 is available for $229 for the 16GB WiFi model and $269 for the 32GB model with both models listed as shipping in 1-2 business days. An LTE version of the new Nexus 7 is expected in the weeks to come but Google hasn’t provided an official launch date.

Google also started selling a new Nexus 7 sleeve on the Google Play today for $29.99 in both the US and Canada.

Samsung Wallet app hits Google Play for select devices

Jordan Kahn Aug 9 2013 - 5:23 am PT

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Up until now Samsung’s Wallet app had been in beta only for select users in the US, but today the app is officially available through Google Play. Before you get too excited, we should mention that it is still US-only, and as of right now you’ll need one of few select Samsung devices in order to take advantage. For those of you unfamiliar, the app stores boarding passes, coupons, tickets, etc, but doesn’t actually do NFC payments like Google Wallet or other solutions. It might not be as widely supported as something like Apple’s Passbook app yet, but the MLB, Booking.com and many others have signed to support the service. To take advantage you’ll need either a Galaxy S3, Galaxy S4, Galaxy Note 1, or Galaxy Note 2.

On a side note, Google announced it’s ending NFC redemption for gift and loyalty cards through Google Wallet, but hinted other options for storing these types of cards might return to the app.