Since Google became Alphabet, or to be more clear, since Google became part of Alphabet, the company has constantly been rolling out a number of updates to its apps, services and features. While desktop Google has largely seen all its services and web apps being updated, the mobile updates have been coming in at a much slower pace. The main Google App was updated extremely quickly after the re-branding and even as soon as yesterday, more apps were seen being updated to reflect the change. Yesterday’s first one was Google+, although in the case of Google+, so far, it seems the implementation of the new Google logo and branding was the only change. This was soon followed yesterday by Google Wallet also seeing an update with a new logo and complete new UI as well.
Following on from Google+ & Wallet, it also seems yesterday that the Google News & Weather app saw an update arriving too. Like Google+ & Wallet, this one does come with the new Google branding and icon. However, unlike Google+, this was not the only change noted. Delving into the source code, Android Police noted quite a telling single string which provides some insight into what the company might be planning on implementing soon enough.
The string refers to the ability to download an app from a specific article provider. Of course, with only one single line of code being noted, there are a number of unknowns that remain in place. Firstly, it is not known when (and even if) the feature will go live. Secondly, it is not clear if these ‘app ads’ will be ones which are rudely over the top of content and thirdly, there is no indications if there will be any further incentives though grabbing the app through this method. Either way though, if you do want to download the latest version of the app and add this one to your collection of newly branded Google apps, then you can by downloading the APK and sideloading it yourself from the link below. The APK is quite small weighing in at only 4.4 MB and will bring your version of Google News & Weather up to v2.4.