This last Wednesday was a lackluster Google Apps update day. We caught the Google Play Newsstand update, but it wasn’t all that big of a deal. Thursday a new Google Play Services started filtering out and now we finally have an updated Google Play Store. Those are usually the best updates around, next to Google+, Gmail and Hangouts updates.
The update moves the Play Store from version 4.6.17 to v4.8.19. With the update you will see a very noticeable change in the visual appearance at the top where the action bar is. Yes, it is gone. More so it is transparent and the top image shifts up to fill the void. Unfortunately it isn’t gone everywhere, but in a variety of places, like in Books, Music and TV shows. However it fades in when you scroll down.
There is a new “Additional Information” section in apps. The new section offers up more detailed info like application version, installed file size, content rating and a permissions detail link.
They also simplified the permissions screen some. Rather than a huge list, not it sits in a nice collapsible menu style layout complete with icons for what the app accesses along with the apps icon at the top. Looks so much nicer.
You will also see the buttons to install, update, uninstall and the likes have been increased in size making them easier to get to and easier to see.
The
PayPal integration is added in. We previously reported that this was a new addition to the PlayStore. Now you can finally take advantage of it.
Looks like a small change in the slide out menu also. “redeem” has been moved from the main list and added in where settings is. Also, if you hit it, the redeem box button is inactive until you start to enter a code. Old on the left, new on the right.
The update is rolling out slowly to devices everywhere and you can expect it to trickle in over the next week or so. however, if you are impatient and want to jump to the front of the line, you can just download the APK and install it on your own time. Hit the link below to go grab it.
Update #2: Another small bug fixer update.
Google Play Store APK v4.8.22 download (7/15/2014)
UPDATE:Â Looks like a bug fixer update is rolling out. The Play Store version is now at v4.8.20. Hit the link for the new one.
Google Play Store APK v4.8.20 download (6/4/2014)
Google Play Store v4.8.19 APK download (5/15/2014)
1st img via Kirill Grouchnikov G+
Via AndroidPolice