If rumors are to be believed, Google is currently in the process of overhauling the Play Store's user interface. This came after reports indicate how the tech company is testing several different UI changes at the same time.
The extent of the update covers small cosmetic tweaks such as the elimination of the Search box in favor of a small Search icon swept to the top right part of the store. While this particular change looks pleasant as it does help the interface get less cluttered, it makes the process of searching longer.
When using Voice search, for example, the current Play Store build only requires one tap. The new UI will require users to execute two taps to access the Voice search icon. Also, smaller phones or users with bigger fingers could have difficulty tapping it. Additionally, there are devices that are programmed to reject taps near the edge of the display. The problem could also work the other way around. For example, many users have complained that the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge's screen is too sensitive. This means that the Search button in the new Play Store could lead to increased accidental touches.
Other significant changes include the relocation of sections as well as the replacement of the Entertainment section. According to Android Police, the Entertainment label will instead get all of the names of the categories inside it. It is not yet known why Google opted to proceed with this change since it looks off in devices with higher resolutions.
The carousel that contains featured apps and content will also get a major makeover. The current version has the images scrolling from the side and these stretch all the way to the other side and behind the Search bar as well. The UI update will no longer do this and will feature smaller images instead.
Google also seems to be keen in reinforcing the platform's branding as the Play Store name will now appear persistently every time the user clicks a link. This can bother some Android consumers because its green background might appear at odds with the color of the notification bar. However, this issue could prove to be subjective since there are phones that have transparent status bars.
Google's move to tinker with the Play Store's user interface is not limited to the app market. Recently, it implemented a similar makeover initiative to its popular Maps application. All these changes are not only designed to make the Android experience more aesthetically attractive. Rather, it is also underpinned by a drive to make the app perform better and easier to use despite loading the same amount of information.
