The Google Play Store Has a Big Problem

The Google Play Store fails to effectively introduce users to new apps. My personal experience, and many others', reveals a stark lack of genuine app discovery within the store.

Most "Recommendations" Are Actually Ads

The Play Store's initial display is dominated by sponsored apps – essentially ads – rather than genuinely curated suggestions. These ads are subtly integrated into vertical lists, mimicking search results and installed apps, making them easily overlooked. Genuine curated games are usually presented in larger carousels, but these are few and far between.

This contrasts sharply with the design philosophy of apps like Nova Launcher and the excellent Niagara Launcher, which cater to power users and offer a level of customization unavailable on iOS. These are the types of apps that showcase Android's unique strengths, yet Google's app store doesn't promote them. The Play Store consistently undersells the diverse and powerful apps available, forcing users to actively search for them.

One exception is Google Play Pass. This subscription service offers an ad-free experience with fully unlocked apps and noticeably better curation, although it's heavily weighted towards games. It serves as a compelling example of what the Play Store could be.

Related ##### Google Play Pass: A Good Deal, But Needs Improvement

While not a direct competitor to Apple Arcade, Play Pass offers affordable mobile gaming.

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The Play Store urgently requires a redesign. Its current endless grids and carousels, reliant on iconography and review scores, are ineffective for app discovery. A better approach would prioritize curation, something currently lacking in the Google Play Store.

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