The Google Play Store for tablets has received an update that includes a redesigned interface. The update adds a navigation rail that also displays a narrow search box and logo in the upper left corner on user interactions, instead of the always visible rail seen previously, aimed at freeing up screen space. Google is currently using the screen space freed up for larger app icons. According to a report, the redesign makes the Play Store one of the first 20 Google apps to optimize its design for tablets.
The latest update to Play Store version 32.5.16-21 brings a new design aimed at improving the tablet experience. Report Via 9to5Google. In the update, the App Store leveraged a bullet-shaped active indicator for the navigation rail that drops down after user interaction. According to the report, the approach is to make the app design more compact while freeing up empty spaces.
Buttons for Google Play Points, notifications and profile avatar will remain on the right as seen in the tablet design before the 32.5.16-21 version update. Reportedly, there are no visible changes to the interface in terms of the app list or any other part of the Play Store.
The Play Store’s portrait orientation now matches the UI seen on the phone version of the application, but uses a new compact logo and search field.
Editorial content is now featured using two cards that sit side-by-side. The redesign comes as part of a broader overhaul of Google’s Play Store that will use cards instead of a full-width carousel. Google’s intention to shift this design for tablets was made public at the Google I/O 2022 conference, featuring a “Top Charts” section in the form of cards instead of the traditionally seen full-width carousel.
However, the redesigned interface appears to be limited to tablet devices and is not visible on any Chromebook devices as of now, according to the report.
