Google Play is revamping its cross-device identification system to heighten the app user experience irrespective of the device used. This significant move aims to unify and enhance how apps function across different devices, and is expected to influence the future of multi-device application usage.
Such a development is essential for users engaging with apps on varying devices, and gives them insights into how an app could behave on different displays. The change enables users to adjust expectations based on an app’s performance on different platforms and make informed decisions about app usage based on device compatibility.
On May 14, 2024, Google Play revealed sweeping changes to its app cataloguing system, ushering in device-specific ratings and reviews. This feature presents the user with a broader understanding of app performance on any device. Leveraging a machine learning algorithm for personalized ratings, the changes aim to offer more precise and transparent information.
To help users with older devices, Google Play will also exhibit if an app’s rating is based on their device model or the overall rating – a move that will surely lead to improved user satisfaction during the app selection process.
Google is rolling out more features to enhance app listings for developers, such as allowing device-specific screenshots, ratings, and reviews.
Enhancing cross-device app interaction with Google Play
These additions will help developers better target their audience and fine-tune their app’s user experience ae per device type.
These new features are expected to guide users into making more informed decisions, potentially boost app downloads and usage. It would offer a clearer comprehension of an app’s functionality on a specific device, and enhance user experience. Moreover, more direct feedback on an app’s performance could lead to precise app improvements, refining the overall app quality and user satisfaction.
Google anticipates these updates will elevate the detectability of apps, especially when users filter searches by device type. It is expected to enhance the app discovery process and cater to users’ needs more effectively. The changes could also improve Google’s search algorithm’s relevancy and precision, benefiting both users and app developers by heightening visibility and downloads.
Apart from these, Google has made other announcements including detailing data on new features and upgrades for developers, and integrating Gemini into Android. The Pixel 8a’s launch and the release of the first set of factory image files has also been announced.
