Enhancing the Tablet App Experience: Google Play Store’s New Updates

Bianca Patrick
4 min readAug 1, 2023

--

With the recent launch of the Google Pixel Tablet this summer, Google is now focused on improving the app experience for large-screen devices through its Google Play Store updates. These changes aim to help users discover high-quality apps tailored for tablets by introducing refreshed app listing pages, enhanced ranking and quality standards, streamlined navigation, and a split-screen search experience. Additionally, Google is encouraging developers to build top-notch tablet apps, as adhering to their guidelines will positively impact their app’s visibility and ranking.

Before diving into the Google Play Store updates, let’s briefly introduce the Smart Transfer app, a third-party application designed to facilitate seamless data transfers between devices. Whether you’re switching to a new smartphone or upgrading your existing one, Smart Transfer’s clone it feature simplifies the process, making it a perfect companion to explore your new device experience offered by the Google Play Store updates.

Video Banners for Enhanced Gameplay Insights

One of the notable updates on the Google Play Store is the inclusion of video banners at the top of store listing pages for games, provided a video is available for that game. This feature offers users a sneak peek into the gameplay, enabling them to make more informed decisions about the apps they choose to install. For tablet users, this becomes even more critical, as they can now visualize how the game performs on larger screens, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

Multi-Column Layout for Optimal Tablet Viewing

To further enhance the tablet app experience, Google has reorganized the app and game details pages in a multi-column layout. This design not only complements tablet devices but also enables developers to showcase more of their content without requiring users to scroll down excessively. The new layout ensures that tablet users get a comprehensive overview of the app’s features and functionalities, leading to a more engaging user experience.

Ranking Based on App Quality

Google’s emphasis on app quality for tablets has a significant impact on developers. The updated ranking algorithm now rewards apps that adhere to the company’s guidelines for large-screen devices. Applications that resize seamlessly, offer both portrait and landscape orientation support, and avoid letterboxing will be prioritized in search results and featured sections, such as Editor’s Choice and curated collections. This shift motivates developers to invest in crafting top-notch tablet apps, fostering a more diverse and high-quality app ecosystem.

Extending Technical Quality Bar for Large-Screen Devices

To maintain the highest standard of performance, Google is extending its technical quality bar to large-screen devices. Apps and games with a high user-perceived crash rate or Application Not Responding (ANR) rate will see their visibility reduced, with warnings added to their pages. By implementing this measure, Google ensures that users have access to apps that deliver a smooth and stable experience on their tablets.

Enhanced Navigation and Tablet-Friendly Layout

With the goal of improving store navigation on tablets and Chromebooks, Google has relocated the Top Charts and Categories sections to the Apps and Games Home. Moreover, recognizing the significance of tablets in shared environments with children, the Kids experience is now a primary tab on these devices. These adjustments make it easier for tablet users to find the apps and content they need quickly and efficiently.

Split-Screen Search for Seamless Exploration

The introduction of split-screen search on large screens is a game-changer for tablet users. This feature allows users to view search results and app details side-by-side, enabling a more seamless exploration process. Users can now make comparisons, read reviews, and gather information without losing sight of their search results, making the app discovery journey more efficient and enjoyable.

Wrap-Up

The Google Play Store’s recent updates mark a significant step towards enriching the tablet app experience. With video banners providing enhanced gameplay insights, improved ranking criteria for quality apps, and a user-centric design for tablet devices, Google is empowering both users and developers to engage in a more fulfilling app ecosystem. By embracing these updates and combining them with the Smart Transfer app’s assistance, tablet users can optimize their experience and discover a wide range of top-quality apps perfectly tailored for their devices. Keep an eye out for these exciting changes, as they roll out in the coming weeks, and make the most of your tablet’s potential on the Google Play Store.

--

--

Bianca Patrick

Bianca is a content creator & a passionate blogger. She is a professional tech blogger & an avid reader. She loves to explore topics related to tech.