All articles tagged with #play store
Google is reportedly exploring a feature to notify Play Store users when apps are removed from the store, aiming to reduce confusion over disappearing apps and provide context for removals tied to policy or security concerns; the alerts would likely be delivered via push or in‑app notices and would be configurable by the user.
Google is reportedly considering a Play Store feature that would alert users when Android apps are removed or unpublished, helping them stay informed and seek alternatives before they’re affected.
Google has removed the psychological horror visual novel Doki Doki Literature Club! from the Play Store, citing a violation of its Terms of Service related to sensitive themes. Developers say the game thoughtfully addresses mental health and note it remains available on Steam, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and iOS; they’re pursuing reinstatement on Google Play and exploring other Android distribution options. The title reportedly had tens of millions of downloads across its free and Plus versions.
A settlement requires Epic Games and its CEO Tim Sweeney to publicly praise Google’s competitiveness and its app-store operations for five years after Google finishes rolling out Play Store fee changes (expected by Sep 30, 2027), effectively barring negative remarks until after Sep 30, 2032; Epic has also brought Fortnite back to the Google Play Store in response to the changes.
Google has turned Now Playing into a standalone Pixel app on the Play Store, moving it out of Settings to enable faster updates and greater visibility. The app still identifies songs entirely on-device using a fingerprint database (no audio is sent to the cloud), and Google is testing a refreshed UI with clearer album art and easier navigation between the song history and recognition features.
A Google leak reveals Aluminium OS, a ChromeOS/Android hybrid for PCs, shown via Incognito bug-tracker videos on an HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook, featuring a ChromeOS-like taskbar with a centered Start button, an Android-style status bar, and access to the Play Store with split-screen multitasking.
The December 2025 Google System Updates introduce new features and improvements across Android devices, including updates to Play Store, Play Services, and various system apps, with enhancements in account management, security, developer tools, and user experience, alongside wider rollout of previously announced features like QR code scanner redesign and document scanner.
The Supreme Court declined Google's request to block court-mandated changes to the Google Play Store following a legal victory by Epic Games, requiring Google to allow third-party app stores, share app catalogs, and permit alternative payment methods, with some provisions set to take effect soon. Google plans to continue its legal appeal, while Epic Games celebrates the decision that could increase competition and user choice in app payments.
Google released its August 2025 system updates for Android and related devices, introducing new features such as improved account management, Wi-Fi sync, enhanced autofill security, and updates to the Play Store and Play Services, aimed at both end users and developers.
After losing a court case to Epic, Google is seeking an emergency stay to delay implementing court-mandated changes to its Play Store and Android ecosystem, which include allowing third-party payment systems, app links outside the Play Store, and supporting third-party app stores, with a potential rollout not before 2026.
A native PS3 emulator called aPS3e has been released on the Google Play Store, allowing Android users to run PS3 games, though it currently faces issues like crashes and performance bugs, and is recommended for high-end devices; it is free with a paid premium option and is open-source.
Microsoft and Google are embroiled in a legal and regulatory battle over Microsoft's attempt to launch a new Xbox game store for Android. The store's launch is contingent on a court ruling that would alter Google's Play Store policies, allowing Microsoft to bypass Google's 30% cut on in-app purchases. However, a temporary administrative stay has blocked these changes, delaying Microsoft's plans to sell and stream games directly through its Xbox app on Android. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between the two tech giants over cloud gaming and app store policies.
Google has paused its global experiment to expand real-money games on the Play Store due to regulatory challenges, particularly in regions without a central authority to approve such apps. The company will continue to support apps from existing pilot programs in India and is working on a suitable framework and service fee structure for these games.
A judge has ordered Google to calculate the costs of complying with Epic Games' demands to allow the Epic Games Store to operate within the Google Play Store and access its entire app catalog. Google must provide detailed tech and economic cost estimates by June 24, 2024, with a final hearing set for August 14th.
Google is updating the Play Store's biometric verification feature, eliminating the need to enter your account password when setting it up for the first time, making it more convenient for users. This change will take place in the "coming weeks," allowing users to quickly enable biometric verification for app store purchases without the hassle of entering their Google account password.