Google has been making significant tweaks to increase the user interface and navigation of its products. Most recently, the tech giant introduced a side navigation rail on Gmail for foldable phones. When we talk about updates in the name of user-friendliness, adding navigation bars are a common upgrade as they are known to give users a full-screen experience. This might be why Google seems to now be testing a similar update to allow users to more easily navigate the Play Store.
Google Play Store bottom navigation bar could be semi-permanent
This time, Google is testing a permanent — or in this case, a semi-permanent — bottom navigation bar on the Play Store. It looks like the Play Store is testing a change where Google Play’s four-tab bottom navigation bar may become a permanent fixture. The folks at 9to5Google first spotted this change on their own devices. This means having the navigation bar stay put on the Play Store even after you’ve opened an app listing (it looks like this doesn’t apply to books). Tapping a button on the navigation bar takes you to that section immediately. There’s also a back gesture that allows you to return to the listing.
However, the bottom bar only appears on a “semi-permanent” basis as it currently can be found only on app pages. The bar reportedly doesn’t appear in search results, Manage apps & devices, or pending downloads. This lack of permanence makes the change feel “somewhat broken,” suggesting the navigational feature is currently being ironed out. Hopefully, this means once the change is rolled out, the bottom bar will appear everywhere on the Play Store.
Nevertheless, this feature will help users quickly navigate the Play Store. Right now, the navigational element disappears after you leave any of the main feeds, including apps, books and games. So, the semi-permanent — hopefully, soon-to-be permanent — bottom navigation bar is a welcome change.
Google is no stranger to making these kinds of changes on its suite of products. Over the years, Google Chrome, Google News and YouTube similarly welcomed a navigation bar for a greater user experience.
