Kategorie: Science

  • Google Play’s best apps and games of 2024Google Play’s best apps and games of 2024Vice President and General Manager

    Google Play’s best apps and games of 2024Google Play’s best apps and games of 2024Vice President and General Manager

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    The winners of Google Play’s Best of 2024 are here. This year’s awards aren’t just about showcasing amazing apps, games and books; they’re a thank you to the talented developers who make the Android ecosystem so vibrant, building fantastic apps and games across all your devices.

    In 2024, we made Google Play more than just a store. We’ve been improving discoverability, expanding gaming options, boosting rewards and ensuring timely content delivery — all to better support the developers who power the platform. We look forward to seeing how developers and publishers continue to help people discover new apps, games and books — wherever they are, on whatever device.

    This year we met with the winners of our “Best App,” “Best Game,” “Best Multi-device App” and “Best Multi-device Game” awards to hear their stories. Read on for the full list of award winners in the U.S. You can also see all the winners on the Best of 2024 page on Play.

    Best overall app and game

  • Check out Google Play Books’ list of the best books of the year so far.Check out Google Play Books’ list of the best books of the year so far.

    Check out Google Play Books’ list of the best books of the year so far.Check out Google Play Books’ list of the best books of the year so far.

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    The Google Play Books team released a curated list of the books they read and loved so far this year. From thrilling fantasy epics to thought-provoking nonfiction to bone-chilling horror, they’ve got picks for every reader (even kids!). Browse the collection in the Google Play Books store and in the Play Books app on Android and iOS. Discover the books that the team couldn’t put down, and find your next great read today.

  • Experience Pride with GoogleExperience Pride with GoogleSenior Director, Global Brand Marketing, Devices

    Experience Pride with GoogleExperience Pride with GoogleSenior Director, Global Brand Marketing, Devices

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    June is Pride Month, a time of celebration and reflection for the LGBTQ+ community. As parades, festivals and cultural events kick off across the United States, Google is here to help connect with celebrations, whether you’re joining the crowds or looking for ways to celebrate online with art, music and history.

    Navigate with confidence

    Heading to a Pride parade or event? For major parades around the world, Google Maps and Waze can help you stay informed about road closures and find alternate routes to ensure you arrive without a hitch. Real-time traffic updates and rerouting suggestions will keep you moving smoothly.

    Plus, look for the LGBTQ+owned and LGBTQ-friendly attributes on Maps and Search to find welcoming spaces for dining, shopping and more.

    Get to know the community

    Learn more about LGBTQ+ culture, history and creativity on Google Arts & Culture, which shares partner collections from cultural organizations about topics like „A Queer Eye on Art History“ and the history of the Pride flag.

    Over on Google Play, discover dedicated collections of LGBTQ+ created and Pride-related games, apps, curated book collections and interviews with LGBTQ+ developers.

    And to celebrate the sounds of Pride, YouTube Music has created a variety of playlists. Whether you’re looking for high-energy anthems to get you moving or more reflective tunes for quieter moments, you’ll find the perfect sounds for your Pride celebrations. Check out our flagship playlist on YouTube Music.

    A digital dose of Pride delight

    Today, the Google Doodle will celebrate hyperpop, a subgenre of electronic music pioneered by queer artists. The Doodle artwork pays homage to the music production tools and iconography associated with hyperpop. The Doodle aesthetic reflects the quality of the music including distortion, layering and shiny maximalism. And try searching for Pride 2025 for a celebratory surprise on your screen!

    Regardless of how you choose to celebrate, there are countless ways for members of the LGBTQ+ community, their friends & family, and allies, to learn, connect and celebrate. Happy Pride to all who celebrate!

  • Explore Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage with GoogleExplore Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage with GoogleDirector, Communications and AGN ERG Executive Sponsor

    Explore Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage with GoogleExplore Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage with GoogleDirector, Communications and AGN ERG Executive Sponsor

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    This Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Google’s products can help you embrace the spirit of connection and celebration. There are new ways to immerse yourself in art, dive into captivating stories, and engage with the contributions of Asian and Pasifika heritage to the United States.

    The Google Play Store is creating a vibrant hub dedicated to Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This curated collection makes it easier than ever for you to find new stories to read, with top book picks from authors Nghi Vo, Bianca Mabute-Louie, and Saumya Dave. You can also discover special APAHM games hub featuring engaging games, such as Disney Emoji Blitz and Arena Breakout. The hub also features WEBTOON, Viki, Hulu and other apps that offer Asian-developed comics, shows and more. Keep an eye out for editorial content including an interview with Mattel CEO Amy Huang.

    To further spotlight Asian and Pasifika voices throughout May:

    • The May 1 Google Doodle also celebrates APAHM by featuring an iconic Hawaiian instrument — the ukulele!
    • Google Arts & Culture is celebrating with updates to its Asian Pacific American Cultures hub.
    • Google Meet is bringing back a background featuring a Filipino-style room with traditional woven lamps and furniture, looking out onto a scenic view of rice terraces. You can find this in the New section of Google Meet backgrounds, or the evergreen Asian American Heritage Month background in the Stylized section.
    • YouTube will be highlighting the AAPI community across its platforms: YouTube Kids and YouTube Music will feature special playlists, YouTube TV will launch a visual watchlist showcasing shows, movies, and leading Asian American and Pasifika actors and YouTube’s social channels will spotlight creators like Lyanna Kea and Mandy Fu.
  • Explore Google Play’s Diamond District on RobloxExplore Google Play’s Diamond District on RobloxVice President and General Manager

    Explore Google Play’s Diamond District on RobloxExplore Google Play’s Diamond District on RobloxVice President and General Manager

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    Dive into Google Play’s Diamond District on Roblox

    From June 5 to July 2, check out Google Play’s Diamond District, a new experience on Roblox open in all markets where Play Points is available. Inside the Diamond District, you’ll be able to navigate our obstacle course (or obby) with glimmering gems and special portals, play other mini-games and collect weekly drops. Plus, with a course made up of unique modules offering over four billion combinations, you’ll never have the same experience twice. For Diamond, Platinum and Gold members of Play Points, the Diamond District gets even better with access to our exclusive VIP Vault, where you can claim special digital items for your avatar. This is the first time we’re offering an exclusive Roblox space and Roblox rewards to our Gold+ members — as a special thank you for being a part of our community. To access the VIP Vault, be sure to confirm your status by linking your Google Play Points account.

  • 6 ways Google Play helps keep you safe6 ways Google Play helps keep you safeVice President, Product, Trust & Growth

    6 ways Google Play helps keep you safe6 ways Google Play helps keep you safeVice President, Product, Trust & Growth

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    3. Secure payments and purchase verification

    Google Play’s billing system ensures you can safely purchase digital products and subscriptions. Your payment information stays between you and Google — it’s securely stored and isn’t shared with app developers. For an extra level of security, you can also require purchase verification, providing authentication with password or biometrics any time that you make a purchase on Google Play.

    4. Trusted tools for kids and families

    We partner with app businesses and parents to help keep kids and teens safe online while empowering families. If children are the target audience for an app, there are additional Play requirements that the app must meet concerning its content and handling of personal information. And, with our parental controls, parents can choose to restrict age-inappropriate experiences and content from being downloaded or purchased.

    5. Control over your Play data

    You have transparency and control when it comes to what Play data is used to shape your store results and recommendations. For example, you can tell Play not to use data associated with a particular app for personalization within the Play store.

  • Make World Book Day interactive with Google Play Books.Make World Book Day interactive with Google Play Books.Director, Product Management, Google Play Books

    Make World Book Day interactive with Google Play Books.Make World Book Day interactive with Google Play Books.Director, Product Management, Google Play Books

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    To celebrate World Book Day on April 23rd, Google Play Books provides tools to make reading extra engaging for families and children. Here are two ways we’re creating a fun and rewarding space for future bookworms:

    • A modern twist on storytime with Read and Listen: Google Play Books‘ Read and Listen feature brings stories to life, as entire ebooks are read aloud while pages flip automatically – capturing the cozy feeling of a narrated story. Explore this featured collection of children’s books with Read and Listen.
    • Reading Rewards stickers to build strong reading habits: As kids dive into children’s books in the Google Play Books Android app or Google Kids Space, they can unlock colorful and exciting digital stickers displayed in the Kid Reader toolbar’s „Prizes“ section.

    Want to get started? Check out a featured selection of children’s books or if you’re looking for deals, we offer a variety of ebooks for under $5 and audiobooks for under $6.

  • How we’re helping Google Play developers deliver better user experiences through improved performance insights.How we’re helping Google Play developers deliver better user experiences through improved performance insights.Director of Product Management, Google Play

    How we’re helping Google Play developers deliver better user experiences through improved performance insights.How we’re helping Google Play developers deliver better user experiences through improved performance insights.Director of Product Management, Google Play

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    We’re sharing the latest Google Play Console updates that make it easier for developers to gain actionable performance insights and deliver better user experiences. Highlights include:

    • A redesigned app dashboard that puts important metrics front and center
    • New pre-review checks and Android vitals quality metrics, including an excessive wake locks metric that identifies potential battery drain issues

    You can learn more on the Android Developers Blog.

  • Women take center stage this March: sports, tech, music and moreWomen take center stage this March: sports, tech, music and moreContent Programming Lead

    Women take center stage this March: sports, tech, music and moreWomen take center stage this March: sports, tech, music and moreContent Programming Lead

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    Join us in going for three this March with March Madness, Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day. This year we’re recognizing women from various fields across our products — starting with Google TV and the NCAA Women’s Tournament.

    This year, all eyes are on the women’s tournament, and for good reason. Google Trends shows NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball hit an all-time high last year, a trend powered by stars like Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers — the all time, most searched women of U.S. college basketball.

    Starting March 16, when the women’s bracket will be revealed, you can catch every thrilling play on Google TV with live NCAA tournament games. And Google TV can also help you catch up with recaps and highlights whenever you want. You can also check out a ton of live women’s sports programming on the For You page — from National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) live matches in the U.S. to Liga MX Femenil live matches in Mexico — available free with ads. Plus, keep an eye out for free WNBA games on the ION FAST channel when the season tips off later this year.

    Here are five additional ways we are celebrating International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month:

    1. Today’s Google Doodle celebrates International Women’s Day by highlighting historic breakthroughs and inventions by women in science, technology, engineering, and math.
    2. Google Play has launched its Women’s History Month Hub that features curated collections of apps, games, and books that celebrate women and inspire growth.
    3. YouTube Music is highlighting prominent female artists in the dance and electronic space, with an array playlists like Amapiano Essence, Dance Pop Bangers, Women of Electronic, and more. And when you visit YouTube’s accounts on social platforms, you’ll be able to see custom artwork by creator Emonee LaRussa throughout the month of March.
    4. Google Cloud and Google Workspace are putting a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of women in cloud computing and business with the Celebrating Women in Cloud Technology & Business 2025 video series. This video series recognizes and elevates the professional achievements of women, capturing their expertise and offering meaningful advice to the next generation.
    5. Google Meet partnered with our Women@Google Employee Resource Group to create a virtual background featuring the exquisite artwork of Manon Louart that embodies tranquility and wellbeing. Change your background by following these instructions.

    This International Women’s Day, join us in celebrating the remarkable achievements of women across sports, technology, business, and beyond.

  • Google’s legislative proposal for keeping kids safe onlineGoogle’s legislative proposal for keeping kids safe onlineDirector

    Google’s legislative proposal for keeping kids safe onlineGoogle’s legislative proposal for keeping kids safe onlineDirector

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    Everyone wants to protect kids and teens online, and make sure they engage with age-appropriate content, but how it’s done matters. There are a variety of fast-moving legislative proposals being pushed by Meta and other companies in an effort to offload their own responsibilities to keep kids safe to app stores. These proposals introduce new risks to the privacy of minors, without actually addressing the harms that are inspiring lawmakers to act. Google is proposing a more comprehensive legislative framework that shares responsibility between app stores and developers, and protects children’s privacy and the decision rights of parents.

    Where current legislative proposals fall short

    One example of concerning legislation is Utah’s App Store Accountability Act. The bill requires app stores to share if a user is a kid or teenager with all app developers (effectively millions of individual companies) without parental consent or rules on how the information is used. That raises real privacy and safety risks, like the potential for bad actors to sell the data or use it for other nefarious purposes.

    This level of data sharing isn’t necessary — a weather app doesn’t need to know if a user is a kid. By contrast, a social media app does need to make significant decisions about age-appropriate content and features. As written, however, the bill helps social media companies avoid that responsibility despite the fact that apps are just one of many ways that kids can access these platforms. And by requiring app stores to obtain parental consent for every single app download, it dictates how parents supervise their kids and potentially cuts teens off from digital services like educational or navigation apps.

    A legislative framework that better protects kids

    By contrast, we are focused on solutions that require appropriate user consent and minimize data exposure. Our legislative framework, which we’ll share with lawmakers as we continue to engage on this issue, has app stores securely provide industry standard age assurances only to developers who actually need them — and ensures that information is used responsibly. Here are more details:

    • Privacy-preserving age signal shared only with consent: Some legislation, including the Utah bill, require app stores to send age information to all developers without permission from the user or their parents. In our proposal, only developers who create apps that may be risky for minors would request industry standard age signals from app stores, and the information is only shared with permission from a user (or their parent). By just sharing with developers who need the information to deliver age-appropriate experiences, and only sharing the minimum amount of data needed to provide an age signal, it reduces the risk of sensitive information being shared broadly.
    • Appropriate safety measures within apps: Under our proposal, an age signal helps a developer understand whether a user is an adult or a minor — the developer is then responsible for applying the appropriate safety and privacy protections. For example, an app developer might filter out certain types of content, introduce take a break reminders, or offer different privacy settings when they know a user might be a minor. Because developers know their apps best, they are best positioned to determine when and where an age-gate might be beneficial to their users, and that may evolve over time, which is another reason why a one-size-fits-all approach won’t adequately protect kids.
    • Responsible use of age signals: Some legislative proposals create new child safety risks because they establish no guardrails against developers misusing an age signal. Our proposal helps to ensure that any age signals are used responsibly, with clear consequences for developers who violate users’ trust. For example, it protects against a developer improperly accessing or sharing the age signal.
    • No ads personalization to minors: Alongside any age assurance proposal, we support banning personalized advertisements targeting users under 18 as an industry standard. At Google, this is a practice we’ve long disallowed. It’s time for other companies to follow suit.
    • Centralized parental controls: Recognizing that parents sometimes feel overwhelmed by parental controls across different apps, our proposal would provide for a centralized dashboard for parents to manage their children’s online activities across different apps in one place and for developers to easily integrate with.

    Google has demonstrated our commitment to doing our part to keep kids safe online. We’re ready to build on this work and will continue engaging with lawmakers and developers on how to move this legislative framework for age assurance forward.

  • Buying books is now easier in the Google Play Books iOS app.Buying books is now easier in the Google Play Books iOS app.

    Buying books is now easier in the Google Play Books iOS app.Buying books is now easier in the Google Play Books iOS app.

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    For many years, readers have been able to access Google Play Books using the iOS app, Android app or web reader, allowing them to buy and read ebooks and audiobooks across many different devices.

    Now, we are making purchases easier in the Play Books iOS app by introducing the “Get book” button. This button will take you directly to the Google Play website where you can purchase your selected ebook or audiobook.

    You can also use Google Play Family Library to share books with your family group, and create a digital book collection that’s easily accessible whether reading on an Android device, an Apple device, a web browser or any combination.

    Check out the Play Books app in the App Store.

  • The Apple TV app is now available on Google Play for Android mobile devices.The Apple TV app is now available on Google Play for Android mobile devices.Managing Director

    The Apple TV app is now available on Google Play for Android mobile devices.The Apple TV app is now available on Google Play for Android mobile devices.Managing Director

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    Since its launch in 2021, the Apple TV app for Google TV has given people the ability to stream award-winning original shows, like “Severance,” “Slow Horses,” “The Morning Show” and “Ted Lasso,” as well as films like “Wolfs” and “The Instigators.” Starting today, the Apple TV app is available on the Google Play Store, allowing Android phone and tablet users to subscribe to Apple TV+ and access a library of Apple Original shows and movies, as well as MLS Season Pass — the home of Major League Soccer.

    With this update, Google TV users can also subscribe to Apple TV+ and MLS Season Pass right from their Google TV device.

    For more information and to explore all available content, download the app from the Google Play Store or visit tv.apple.com.

  • How you can celebrate Black History Month with help from GoogleHow you can celebrate Black History Month with help from GoogleVP Platforms & Devices and BGN ERG Executive Sponsor

    How you can celebrate Black History Month with help from GoogleHow you can celebrate Black History Month with help from GoogleVP Platforms & Devices and BGN ERG Executive Sponsor

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    For nearly 50 years, Black History Month has been celebrated in the United States to honor and recognize the significant achievements and contributions of the Black community. To me, this month is an opportunity to learn from our rich history and explore the innovative ideas and creative expressions emerging from the Black community. That’s why this month, Google is spotlighting Black creators across our platforms and amplifying Black voices in film,art, and music – including a Google Doodle music video celebrating house music and it’s roots in Chicago’s Black community.

    Here are 5 ways Google is celebrating Black History Month with collections across our products:

    1. Discover incredible Black creators on YouTube. We’re highlighting rising stars and established voices in music, social, TV and more. Head over to YouTube Music for playlists that highlight regional dance genres like Chicago House and NOLA Bounce. And don’t miss the vibrant artwork by Stonie Blue across YouTube throughout the month.
    2. Dive deep into the „Black Creators“ hub on Google Arts & Culture. This year’s spotlight celebrates the life and work of artist Elizabeth Catlett, with new stories from the Amistad Research Center in New Orleans, LA, joining the hundreds of exhibits about Black history and culture.
    3. Settle in for a movie, show or documentary spotlighting Black voices on Google TV. Available all month long on the For You page, we’re highlighting the brilliance of Black stories and experiences in a curated collection. Either through your subscriptions or for free with ads, you can catch shows like Key & Peele and Power, miniseries like Roots and films like Monster’s Ball.
    4. Explore apps and games created by talented Black developers in the Google Play Store. Check out games and apps like Boddle, Treasure Party: Puzzle fun!, BET+ and discover many more in the special Black History Month collection.
    5. Transform your browsing experience with Chrome’s „Black Artists Series.“ Featuring stunning artwork by talented Black artists like Neka King, Olivia Fields, Derrick Ofosu Boateng and more. You can download these backgrounds to your Chrome browser by visiting the Chrome Web Store.

    Join us in celebrating the indelible contributions of Black leaders, artists, innovators, entrepreneurs and industry pioneers this Black History Month.

  • We’re sharing how we kept Google Play safe from bad apps in 2024.We’re sharing how we kept Google Play safe from bad apps in 2024.

    We’re sharing how we kept Google Play safe from bad apps in 2024.We’re sharing how we kept Google Play safe from bad apps in 2024.

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    In 2024, we continued to invest in more ways to protect our community and fight bad actors, so billions of people can trust the apps they download from Google Play and millions of developers can build thriving businesses.

    AI-powered threat detection, stronger privacy policies, enhanced tools for app developers and more have enabled us to stop more bad apps than ever from reaching users through the Play Store, protecting people from harmful or malicious apps before they can cause any damage.

    To learn more about how we’re helping keep Android users safe on Google Play and beyond, read the Google Security Blog.

  • Celebrate the Year of the Snake with GoogleCelebrate the Year of the Snake with GoogleDirector, Program Management, Core

    Celebrate the Year of the Snake with GoogleCelebrate the Year of the Snake with GoogleDirector, Program Management, Core

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    2025 brings us the Year of the Snake! Just like the Wood Snake in today’s Doodle, this year invites us to embrace the twists and turns and to have a little fun as we embark on new adventures. Ready to celebrate the Year of the Snake in style? Here’s how Google can help:

    • Coil up for some Lunar New Year Entertainment: Google TV’s special Lunar New Year collection is curated to celebrate the Year of the Snake. From snake-centric movies like The Jungle Book and Raiders of the Lost Ark to stories of renewal like The Secret Life of Walter Mitty to movies from superstars born in the Year of the Snake like The Era’s Tour (Taylor’s Version), there is something for everyone. Google Play’s Lunar New Year hub is also here, with exciting games and apps including Candy Crush Saga, Dramabax, Pokémon TCG Pocket and Weplay. Discover new favorites and revisit beloved classics for a truly festive experience.
    • Dress up your digital den: Chrome users can update their browser backgrounds with designs created by Asian and Pacific Islander artists or by searching “snakes” within the Themes section of the Chrome Web Store. And during your next Google Meet meeting, check out the new Lunar New Year background featuring red envelopes to bring good luck, fresh fruit for good health, cherry blossoms to symbolize new beginnings and pops of red to bring prosperity.
    • Explore the hiss-tory of the traditions: Google Arts & Culture has fresh Lunar New Year content, offering a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and artistic significance of Lunar New Year and its various celebrations. Visit virtual exhibits, discover captivating stories, and deepen your appreciation for this vibrant holiday.
    • Rustle up the flavors of Lunar New Year: Use Google Search and Maps to identify Asian-owned local businesses near you, and discover local restaurants and markets that offer the most delicious festival treats like yi mein (longevity noodles), tang yuan (sweet rice balls), and banh chung (chung cake) in your town.
  • Disney+ and Hulu now available with Google Play PointsDisney+ and Hulu now available with Google Play PointsGeneral Manager, Apps on Google Play

    Disney+ and Hulu now available with Google Play PointsDisney+ and Hulu now available with Google Play PointsGeneral Manager, Apps on Google Play

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    Disney+ is the streaming home of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic, with thousands of award-winning classics and originals. Eligible Play Points members in the United States, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Japan, and Taiwan can claim Disney+ on us, and watch new releases like Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” and Marvel Television’s “Agatha All Along.”

  • 10 indie game studios making moves in Latin America10 indie game studios making moves in Latin AmericaGoogle Play

    10 indie game studios making moves in Latin America10 indie game studios making moves in Latin AmericaGoogle Play

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    Minimol Games, Brazil

    “Securing this funding [is] a transformative opportunity for our studio, enabling us to finally bring ‚Chessarama’ to the mobile platform — a crucial step in our long-term growth strategy. We recognize the immense potential of the mobile market, particularly on Google Play, and with this support, we can expand our reach, connecting with new audiences and delivering an accessible, high-quality experience for chess and puzzle fans worldwide.”

    Raphael Dias da Silva and Helena Magarinos Souto (co-founders)

  • Play’s Best Of awards showcase Asia-Pacific developersPlay’s Best Of awards showcase Asia-Pacific developersVice President

    Play’s Best Of awards showcase Asia-Pacific developersPlay’s Best Of awards showcase Asia-Pacific developersVice President

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    Today we released Play’s 2024 Best of Awards, which honor the year’s most creative apps and games. Developers from Asia-Pacific took home over 60% of the awards — a testament to the creativity coming from the region, powered by millions of Android developers.

    In the gaming category, Asia-Pacific developers took home 62% of all gaming awards handed out in the United States, Japan, Korea, India, Indonesia and Taiwan. Chinese studio FARLIGHT’s AFK Journey claimed the “Best Game” honor for its stunning visuals and immersive fantasy world, while Korea’s Devsisters Corporation took home the “Best for Google Play Games on PC” award for CookieRun: Tower of Adventures, delighting players with its adventurous gameplay across mobile and web.

    Asia-Pacific developers picked up a third of the global awards in the entertainment apps category, with China and Korea emerging as powerhouses, particularly with mobile-friendly, short-form content. China’s DramaBox – Stream Drama Shorts won “Best for Fun” in Indonesia and Hong Kong, while Korea’s Vigloo – Premier Short Dramas snagged “Best Hidden Gem” in Korea, proving the strong appeal of drama shorts and showing how Play is critical for developers who aspire to go global. In fact, 85% of monthly active users of Korean-developed apps were based overseas in 2023.

    Manga apps continued to thrive in Japan, where we recently launched a dedicated Comics space on Play to help fans discover new apps and content. SHOGAKUKAN INC’s MangaONE, which won the „Best App“ award, redesigned its interface to celebrate its 10th anniversary, giving manga fans a fresh way to enjoy their favorite titles. JumpTOON, a new app from SHUEISHA INC. designed specifically for webtoons, snagged the „Best for Fun“ award.

    AI is also increasingly transforming app experiences, and developers from Asia-Pacific are leading the way. In India, almost 1,000 apps and games are using AI technology. One example is Hey Alle’s Alle – Your AI Fashion Stylist, which offers AI-powered personalized style advice based on occasion, body type and facial features. The app snagged both the „Best App“ and „Best for Fun“ awards in the country.

    Singapore’s Notewise stood out with its AI-powered note-taking app, earning the “Best for Personal Growth” award in Taiwan and Hong Kong for making work and learning more efficient. China’s Starii Tech also made waves with Winkit – AI Video Enhancer, an app that allows users to create custom videos and animated avatars, winning the “Best Hidden Gem” award in several Asia-Pacific markets.

  • Why we’re appealing the Epic Games verdictWhy we’re appealing the Epic Games verdictVice President, Regulatory Affairs

    Why we’re appealing the Epic Games verdictWhy we’re appealing the Epic Games verdictVice President, Regulatory Affairs

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    Today, the court overseeing our ongoing U.S. legal proceedings with Epic Games ordered changes to Android and Google Play, requested by Epic. As we have already stated, these changes would put consumers’ privacy and security at risk, make it harder for developers to promote their apps, and reduce competition on devices. Ultimately, while these changes presumably satisfy Epic, they will cause a range of unintended consequences that will harm American consumers, developers and device makers.

    These Epic-requested changes stem from a decision that is completely contrary to another court’s rejection of similar claims Epic made against Apple — even though, unlike iOS, Android is an open platform that has always allowed for choice and flexibility like multiple app stores and sideloading.

    We are appealing that underlying decision and we will ask the courts to pause Epic’s requested changes, pending that appeal. Our appeal will show that:

    • Apple and Google directly compete directly for consumers: The decision rests on a flawed finding that Android is a market in itself. In contrast, the Apple decision, upheld on appeal, rightly found that Android and iOS compete in the same market. This is obvious to anyone who has bought a smartphone. Walk into a store that sells smartphones and you’ll see the options side-by-side — Android phones from companies like Samsung, Motorola and many others competing right next to Apple’s iPhone. People choose between these phones based on price, quality and security.
    • Google and Apple compete directly for app developers: The decision ignores what every developer in the world knows — they have to prioritize investing in developing for iPhones and Androids. Developers have finite resources and have to decide how much time and money to devote to building and updating their apps for each platform. Like any business, Google wants developers to offer their best features for Android and to release them on Android first. So we build tools, run training programs and invest in making it as easy as possible to develop for Android. Apple of course does the same — competing to convince developers to prioritize iOS.
    • Android is open and Google Play is not the only way to get apps: The decision fails to take into account that Android is an open platform and developers have always had many options in how to distribute their apps. In fact, most Android devices come preloaded with two or more app stores right out of the box. Developers have other options too, such as offering their apps directly to users from their websites. For example, Epic Games has made its popular Fortnite app available to Android users through the Samsung Galaxy Store, sideloading, and the Epic Games Store – all while Fortnite was not distributed through Google Play. These are options that developers have never been able to offer to their American users on iPhones.

    Android has helped expand choice, reduce prices and democratize access to smartphones and apps. The initial decision and today’s Epic-requested changes put that at risk and undercut Android’s ability to compete with Apple’s iOS.

    We look forward to continuing to make our case on appeal, and we will keep advocating for what is best for developers, device manufacturers and the billions of Android users around the world.

  • Press play for exclusive rewards and experiences during Zedd In The ParkPress play for exclusive rewards and experiences during Zedd In The ParkGeneral Manager

    Press play for exclusive rewards and experiences during Zedd In The ParkPress play for exclusive rewards and experiences during Zedd In The ParkGeneral Manager

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    Check out the Google Play Playground at Zedd In The Park in Los Angeles

    If you’re attending Zedd In The Park, you’re invited to come play at The Google Play Playground which will be open September 6-7. The multi-level, 3,600-square-foot playground will elevate your festival experience (literally!) with the best view of the main stage in the park, glow-in-the-dark games, an interactive dance floor and more. Play Points members get access to a fast-track entrance, a members-only bonus level and exclusive rewards throughout the experience including custom Zedd merchandise, collectible posters and Play Points bonuses.

  • 7 ways to keep up with the Paralympic Games Paris 2024 on Google and YouTube7 ways to keep up with the Paralympic Games Paris 2024 on Google and YouTube

    7 ways to keep up with the Paralympic Games Paris 2024 on Google and YouTube7 ways to keep up with the Paralympic Games Paris 2024 on Google and YouTube

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    Some of the world’s greatest athletes are headed to Paris for the Paralympic Games. And with features across Search, Maps, YouTube and more, you can experience the action wherever you are.

    1. Stay up-to-date on what’s happening with Search

    Celebrate the Paralympic Games through daily Paralympic Doodles and features which help you stay up-to-date on your favorite athletes, sports and countries. Find schedules in your local timezone along with the latest detailed results, medal counts, news, and video highlights — all in one place.

    When one of your favorite teams or athletes wins a medal, just search for them and you will be able to send a virtual bouquet of flowers to celebrate their achievements.

  • Find the best Google services with Google Essentials on Windows PCsFind the best Google services with Google Essentials on Windows PCsDirector of Strategic Partnerships

    Find the best Google services with Google Essentials on Windows PCsFind the best Google services with Google Essentials on Windows PCsDirector of Strategic Partnerships

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    Over the last two years, we’ve been working to bring Google Play Games to more Windows PC gamers around the world.

    Today, we’re introducing Google Essentials, a new app that makes it easier for you to discover and install many of our best Google services — including Google Play Games — when setting up a new PC. Google Essentials will be first available on all HP Windows consumer and gaming brands: Spectre, Envy, Pavilion, OMEN, Victus and HP Brand and soon to be featured on all OmniBook brands. You can open Google Essentials right from the start menu and easily switch between your phone and laptop.

    For example, from Google Essentials or HP’s OMEN Gaming Hub, you’ll be able to access thousands of mobile and native PC games from Google Play Games, such as Clash of Clans and CookieRun: Tower of Adventures. Signing in to your Play Games account allows you to sync your in-game progress and reward benefits for certain titles, so you can pick things back up whether you’re on an Android device or PC.

    You can also access Google Photos and Google Messages from Google Essentials, making it easier to enjoy your photo albums and respond to texts from friends and family. For those times when you need to get tasks done, Google Essentials includes shortcuts to our popular productivity tools — like Google Docs, Drive, and Calendar. Plus, eligible Google One subscribers can get access to a 2-month trial of Google One 100GB for their cloud storage needs, on us.

    As always, we want to make sure you’re in control of your experience. You can uninstall any Google service — or Google Essentials altogether — at any time. We’ll expand Google Essentials to more laptops and desktops in the coming months, so stay tuned for more updates.