The tech giant Google (GOOG, Financial) has been taking huge leaps in the life science domain which we have discussed in an earlier article. Recently there are news leaks that Google is also going to roll out a newer version of the Google Play app version 5.0, guided by the company’s Material Design concept. That might sound interesting to the tech savvy clan who are glued to their PCs, tablets or smartphones almost 24/7. So what is the concept all about and if the news leaks are true, then what are the updates expected to be released to the market? Let’s check it out.
The Material Design concept
Google’s researchers challenged themselves to create a visual language for the users that synthesize the classic principle of good design with the innovation and possibility of technology and science. This is the basic principle of Material Design.
Google has developed an underlying system that allows for unified experience across platforms and devices. Mobile precepts are fundamental, but touch, voice, mouse and keyboard all serve as first-class input methods.
At Google they say, “Focus on the user and all else will follow.” The Google Team have embraced this principle by designing software that surprises and enlightens the Google users in equal measure. And the team follows a set of design guidelines to keep users happy with its updated software apps.
Updation likely around the corner
From the recent screenshots from a leaked early build, it seems that the company wants to bring in a vivid palette of colours to its already Material Design-inspired Google Play app, along with the richer visual feel.
The yet to be announced Google Play Store 5.0 is expected to flaunt a reworked top bar that merges the section name with the category tabs. For example the Movies, Games and Others section might be merged with the Top Releases, New Releases, Home and Others categories listed above.
All the software sections including the apps, games, movies, books and newsstand would be seen with new colour palette combinations that will be brighter and more vivid than the current version. The California-based tech giant is focusing more on the card-based design and thus is expected to tweak the Google Play app design with the same colour treatment for accents and buttons.
The leaked screenshots sourced by Android Police also notes that the promo pages will receive a visual revamp at the store, with the example of the Google’s Antenna Sampler, a monthly sampler of free tracks from upcoming artists showing a visual boost. Minor animations, for example, 3-line icon changes to a "back arrow" icon on interaction might also see the light of the day.
Android Police also discovered some new Material Design-inspired Google play app icons for Music, Movies, Books, Newsstand along with a new Google Play Store icon within the files of the app.
Though the company has not confirmed any of these changes to date, these screenshots cannot be ignored completely and do provide indications of a new direction being taken by the search giant to grow its popularity among hi-tech users.
To conclude
Google relies on innovation to win over the masses, and this has been eminent in its past strides as well. While no details on this release is available from the company end, it might be anticipated that if the Play Store 5.0 comes with such fantastic upgraded features as displayed in the news leak, Google will once again emerge the winner. So let’s stay tuned!
