Google has been, not so quietly, introducing service after service lately. With those services comes cloud integration and as such mobile access. The downside of all those services is that they’re scattered and access is separated between apps. Not any longer. Google Play is the newest re-branding from Google. It combines several media sources into one cloud supported navigation area.

Google Play combines apps from the former Android Market, Google Movies, Google Books and Google Music to deliver a full service media destination. Moving forward, as users update their Android devices they’ll notice that the Android Market is now replaced with Google Play. All media (movies, music, books, apps) items are stored in the cloud which means syncing is instantaneous as long as you’re using your Google Account.

For those living in the US, all services are available. Users in other countries will be limited to just apps or a combination of other services, falling short of a complete entertainment hub. Google Play is a positive, logical step forward and probably should have been done sooner. Combing all media entertainment under one umbrella should make cross-promotion easier and increase overall visibility for lackluster services like the seldom promoted Google Movies.

Some may view this as another attempt to mimic Apple, since iCloud has been available for some time now. The similarities are visible and while Google Play may look like an attempt to copy the competition, this re-branding move is more common sense than an attempt to duplicate an Apple product.

If you enjoyed or found this article useful, please show us some support by liking us on Facebook or by sharing us on your favorite social website. Thanks!

The post Google Play Devours Android Market first appeared on GeekITDown Computer Services & Technology Solutions.

For some, the change is long overdue.  The green market color has worn out its welcome and the carousel is being replaced.  The app information will remain mostly the same, however Google does indicate users can ‘learn more’ before they buy.  Whether or not that translates to additional details is unclear but at first glance the app information is easier to read.

So What’s New?

The biggest new offering is, in the US, you can now rent movies and buy books.  We can’t say for sure how broad the movie selections will be, but it’s always a plus when a new advanced feature is integrated into the phone.  You can browse movies by category or new release and can be made available for offline viewing so that you can watch a movie even if you are without a data connection.  Books are another big offering from the Android update, boasting more than 3 million books available for purchase.

The most noticeable change is the overall appearance of the market interface.  Apps are now aligned in a grid like pattern which gives each app a standardized selection block.  As mentioned earlier, the information on each app does appear easier to read and ease of reading on smartphone screens is always a plus.  Additionally, Google claims the market is now faster and easier.  While we won’t complain about the speed improvement, the ease of use will remain to be seen.

When Can We Update?

The update requires your device to be running version 2.2 or later.  If you don’t have at least v2.2 then you are out of luck, at least for now.  The planned roll-out should start soon and continue over the next several weeks.

Video Presentation

You can view Google’s short video presentation on the new market look and features in their video ‘A New Android Market for Phone‘ video.

Your Thoughts

Are you looking forward to the update or are you happy the way the market is? Have you already received the update? How do you like it? Let us know in the comments!

The post Android Market Update first appeared on GeekITDown Computer Services & Technology Solutions.