The official app store from the IT giant
Google Play, also called Play Store, is the official app store of Android. Just like the App Store on iOS, it is the central hub for all things Android. The program also indexes important information about said apps, including ratings, alternative suggestions, and many more.
You can even set up wish lists of content and apps you’d like to download at any time. Moreover, Play Store allows you to install applications remotely to your smartphone from a popular web browser, like Google Chrome. Using your Google account, you can even sync data between your browser and the Play Store.
A hub for apps and games
When it was first released, you’d have wondered, “How do I download the Play Store?” At the time, it was difficult to find a Google Play Store APK file. Nowadays, most Android devices come pre-installed with the Google Play app. Furthermore, this tool has evolved into a one-stop platform for searching and downloading apps and other content—including Facebook, Google Play Books, Spotify, and many more. In addition, the program provides you with detailed information about the latest free and paid applications and games. Most importantly, it lets you check an app’s version and installs the latest updates, if available.
Vets the apps to secure your device
Since Google uses on-device and in-store monitoring, it protects your smartphone against harmful and malicious apps. Although a potentially malicious application may make its way on Google Play, this app is generally way more secure than other app markets. This is all thanks to its machine learning-powered security feature, Google Play Protect. It scans your smartphone on a daily basis to identify harmful apps, files, and content. It also runs before you download any app on your smartphone, ensuring your peace of mind.
Family Library for easy sharing
Google Play comes with a Family Library for sharing eligible apps with up to five members in your family, in addition to overseeing digital transactions and adding a preferred payment method. However, bear in mind that all content in your Family Library is available for everyone’s viewing. If you have young children, the app’s parental control system will be your life saver, preventing your little ones from accessing inappropriate content. Before creating a Family Library, though, make sure you are using your personal account and not your school or organization account.
Moving on to the set-up process, touch your profile icon and go to “Settings.” In “Settings,” tap the “Family” button followed by “Sign up for Family Library.” By default, you’ll be the Family Manager. Family Managers, though, have to be of legal age and must possess a credit or debit card. Either of these cards will be used as your Family Library’s payment method. However, take note that you can’t be a Family Manager if you’re in another Family Library.
Explore more apps in the Google Play Pass
Boasting an ever-increasing curated collection of over a thousand free and premium programs, the Google Play Pass promises users an ad- and microtransaction-free experience through its monthly or yearly subscription plans. Moreover, Family Managers will greatly benefit from this service since all family members have access to the Pass’ catalog with no additional costs. However, like the Family Library feature, you can only subscribe to the Google Play Pass using your personal Gmail account.
To sign up for the Google Play Pass, touch your profile icon and select Play Pass, which will then take you to the Google Play Pass page. There, you’ll see two buttons, namely Get Started for the monthly subscription and See All Plans for both the monthly and yearly subscription. After choosing your preferred plan, select a payment method and tap the Subscribe button to complete the transaction. With an active Play Pass subscription, you will now have access to a wide range of applications—from newly added programs to multiplayer games.
A few good alternatives
While Google has always given importance to security, the Play Store has seen some bad days with the deteriorating quality of apps. In recent times, there have been many “copycats,” persuading users to download low-quality apps with deceptively similar icons and names. While Google is cutting down the number of such malicious apps, it doesn’t hurt to look for alternatives.
Although the app is easy to navigate and comes with a simple interface to download and install apps, it’s not always easy to find new or underrated applications beyond the Play Store’s listings, app categories, or user-tailored suggestions. Luckily, there are other app markets for Android devices. With AppBrain App Market, you can get personalized app recommendations. Moreover, it shows you detailed information about trending apps for the day. The App Market also contains a filter for price drops.
Other good choices are Aptoide and APKPure, both of which are useful platforms for discovering Android apps. Without a doubt, Google Play is one of the most important components of the Android ecosystem. With easy navigation, loads of content, strong security features, and other benefits, it is undoubtedly an excellent choice. In case you’re still not satisfied, you could check out the alternatives mentioned above.
The perfect choice for Android users
With Google Play, you can download Android apps on your device with ease. Though optional, subscribing to the Google Play Pass significantly opens up your choices—allowing you to browse and download free and paid programs from your fingertips. Plus, your device is protected from potentially harmful applications thanks to its Google Play Protect feature. Overall, since it acts as a full-fledged entertainment hub, you won’t have to look for any other app market.
