Earlier this week, Google started rolling out v6.7 of the Google Play Store app for Android that made it easier to sign up for beta programs for apps and games. Now, at Google I/O, the company has formally announced this feature and provided more details about it.
Firstly, Google announced that apps that are under open beta testing will show up in the Google Play Store search results and allow users to opt-in to the beta program right from the results. Once a user opts into the program, he or she will also have the ability to directly submit a feedback to the developer about the app. Secondly, Google is adding a new section to the Play Store, dubbed Google Play Early Access. Under this section, the company will be showcasing hand-picked apps and games that are in open beta that have not yet entered the final production stage. Google is also introducing collections on the Play Store under which it will be essentially collating multiple apps that might be required by one to complete a specific task. The company says that this should make app discovery easier on the store.
The company also announced a bunch of developer oriented improvements and changes for better testing and more insights into the way their apps are used. It also launched two new apps, Play Console and Playbook by Google app. The former provides developers with access to their app’s data like installs, uninstalls, ratings, reviews, and more; and the latter provides them with tips and guidelines on helping their business to grow on the Google Play Store.
