Google Play Adds Hardware Store, AI App Features, and National Esports Championship

Google Play is rolling out a broad set of platform updates spanning artificial intelligence tools, hardware commerce, national mobile gaming tournaments, and store reward changes. As part of its latest push into AI features, Google is opening the storefront to private, AI-built personal software—commonly referred to as “vibe-coded” apps—making it easier for users to build, host, and run custom Android applications created just for themselves. Despite slow progress in coding-focused AI models lately, Google is continuing to push personal app hosting as a core feature across its products. Anyone who has been tinkering with vibe-coded apps inside tools like AI Studio can now run their own Android apps on their device without registering a formal developer account or making the software available to everyone on the public Play Store.

Google is also doubling down on consumer-facing artificial intelligence features inside the store itself. The platform is rolling out a new AI-powered “Ask Play about this app” feature, which allows users to type specific app-related questions directly inside any store listing to receive instant answers right within the Google Play Store interface before deciding to install.

In addition to software and AI updates, Google has added a dedicated “Shop devices” option inside the storefront across select regions, including India. Selecting this hardware option redirects users directly to the official Google Store, where eligible hardware—including Google Pixel smartphones and Samsung phones—is listed for purchase, detailing how to buy the devices directly through the integrated workflow.

Google Play Arena Esports Launch and Store Discounts

To expand its footprint in mobile gaming and add new gaming features, Google Play has partnered with NODWIN Gaming to launch Google Play Arena, a groundbreaking multi-phase national mobile gaming championship in India. Formatted as an integrated club-based championship featuring six selected games, the competitive tournament is aimed at fostering India’s rapidly growing mobile gaming scene and esports community. The competition is open at no cost to all gamers in India aged 18 and above, bringing seasoned pros, grassroots players, and top esports heavyweights together in a multi-game format alongside a club fielded by former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni.

Alongside the gaming features and platform additions, promotional discounts and reward support are taking effect for store credits. Third-party retailers have marked down $100 Google Play gift cards to $92 in active promotions. Furthermore, Google Play gift cards now include Play Points discount support, enabling users to apply their earned reward points toward gift card purchases.

While Google continues adding new features to its official store, some users prefer downloading Android applications through external sources without using the storefront. To download and install an app on Android from outside sources, users need to prep their device first. Forgoing the official store bypasses Google’s platform security measures to a certain extent, though the built-in Google Play Protect service still automatically scans third-party application files on the device to check safety upon installation.