Google Play has undergone some fairly large changes this year, for the better and it looks like Google isn’t done changing a few things. While apps, games and music all seem to be doing well in the Play Store, Books and Magazines are lagging behind. What with the Kindle store being available everywhere and Google Play Magazines still not having one of the best selections out there, it’s not that much of a surprise. However, it looks like Google is looking to provide their Magazine store a much-needed shot in the arm. By replacing it. Android Police have already spotted evidence of a new app joining the Play Store lineup in the form of the Google Newsstand and now, thanks to the Android 4.4 Quick Start Guide, more evidence has popped up.
In the KitKat Start Guide, that’s freely available on the Play Store, the Newsstand icon has changed a little but, it’s still very recognizable and can be seen on Page 39, alongside other Play Store apps. The icon looks like an evolved Magazines icon and certainly fits in with the design that Android Police uncovered earlier on – pictured above.
There doesn’t appear to be any immediate plans to roll out Newsstand and replace Magazines just yet but, if Google have included the change in their Quick Start guide for their latest version of Android, it has to be some time soon. Replacing Magazines with a Newsstand could work in Google’s favor and position that part of the store a little better than before. However, unless such a change brings with it new content partners and a wider selection, such a change might not make much difference at all. Nevertheless, Google’s Play Store continues to improve and if Apple fall asleep at the wheel with their own offerings, they might soon wake up to something to worry about.
How many of you are using Google Play magazines? Would more content and a change better draw you in? Why not let us know over on our Google+ page?