Google is redesigning the Play Store around AI — here's what's changing
Another AI update from Google
Here at Tom’s Guide our expert editors are committed to bringing you the best news, reviews and guides to help you stay informed and ahead of the curve!
You are now subscribed
Your newsletter sign-up was successful
Want to add more newsletters?
Daily (Mon-Sun)
Tom's Guide Daily
Sign up to get the latest updates on all of your favorite content! From cutting-edge tech news and the hottest streaming buzz to unbeatable deals on the best products and in-depth reviews, we’ve got you covered.
Weekly on Thursday
Tom's AI Guide
Be AI savvy with your weekly newsletter summing up all the biggest AI news you need to know. Plus, analysis from our AI editor and tips on how to use the latest AI tools!
Weekly on Friday
Tom's iGuide
Unlock the vast world of Apple news straight to your inbox. With coverage on everything from exciting product launches to essential software updates, this is your go-to source for the latest updates on all the best Apple content.
Weekly on Monday
Tom's Streaming Guide
Our weekly newsletter is expertly crafted to immerse you in the world of streaming. Stay updated on the latest releases and our top recommendations across your favorite streaming platforms.
Join the club
Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.
Google’s Play Store will soon be getting a big revamp. The app marketplace is getting the AI treatment, unlocking a selection of new features as well as an overall redesign. This includes a new tab, Play Games experience, and a personal interests section.
This is part of Google’s overall goal to make the Play Store more of a destination, not just a place people log into to download an app.
“For over 4 billion users, Google Play is an important gateway to discovering apps, games, books, movies, TV, and timely cultural content, and our ambition is to help all users engage with the apps and content that fuel their needs and interests,” Aurash Mahbod, the Google Play Games VP and General Manager, told TechCrunch.
So, what will this new update look like, and what new features are coming to the Play Store?
Games
Google has announced that it will be developing the gaming experience via the Google Play Store. Where features have been separated across apps, games, and experiences, Google is trying to bring the entire experience solely into the Play Store.
These updates are also seen in the gamer profile. This lets you track stats and achievements across games and devices in one place. One of the AI updates that has been revealed is the ability to add a Gen AI avatar.
This update will similarly see improvements to the way that Google Play Points work. More ways to earn and use points have been added, and a new way to play with friends via leagues will be added.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
The most notable addition to the way games work on the Google Play Store is the addition of Sidekick. This is an in-game overlay that can be activated while playing games.
It will display relevant gaming info and provide direct access to Gemini Live for real-time guidance. This feature has been built in collaboration with Google DeepMind to make Sidekick more helpful for gamers.
Gemini, in theory, will be able to give advice on the game you’re playing and examine the screen to assist.
New tab for you

Google is also adding a new ‘You’ tab in the Google Play Store. This will house any and all information specifically about your experience, including subscriptions, stats and updates.
With the addition of AI features, the Google Play Store should now better know the kind of apps, media and experiences to offer you, learning the connections between your interests.
Follow Tom's Guide on Google News, or add us as a preferred source, to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!
More from Tom's Guide
- NotebookLM isn’t just for notes — here are 5 surprising ways I use it
- Just when I thought I'd tried all the Nano Banana trends, I discovered these 5 new ones — and I think I'm obsessed
- AI was supposed to boost productivity — but a new report says ‘workslop’ is making it worse

Alex is the AI editor at TomsGuide. Dialed into all things artificial intelligence in the world right now, he knows the best chatbots, the weirdest AI image generators, and the ins and outs of one of tech’s biggest topics.
Before joining the Tom’s Guide team, Alex worked for the brands TechRadar and BBC Science Focus.
He was highly commended in the Specialist Writer category at the BSME's 2023 and was part of a team to win best podcast at the BSME's 2025.
In his time as a journalist, he has covered the latest in AI and robotics, broadband deals, the potential for alien life, the science of being slapped, and just about everything in between.
When he’s not trying to wrap his head around the latest AI whitepaper, Alex pretends to be a capable runner, cook, and climber.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.










