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Digital media store given makeover and rebrand.
Anyone with an Android smartphone may have noticed some changes to the Android Market app used to download and purchase digital media on the device.
That's because search giant Google, which owns the Android mobile operating system, has decided to scrap the Android Market and replace it with Google Play. In many ways it's just the same, save for a flashy new look and, of course, a different name.
But Google Play - which also incorporates Google Music and the Google eBookstore - allows users to store up to 20,000 songs for free, in an attempt to rival Apple's digital music service iTunes.
Jamie Rosenberg, director of digital content at Google, said: “Entertainment is supposed to be fun, but in reality, getting everything to work can be the exact opposite - moving files between your computers, endless syncing across your devices, and wires ... lots of wires.
“We're eliminating all that hassle with Google Play, a digital entertainment ‘destination’ where you can find, enjoy and share your favourite music, movies, books and apps on the web and on your Android phone or tablet.”
Rosenberg confirmed that content already purchased will continue to be available through Google Play, with users simply logging in with their Google Account as always.
He also said Android devices would be able to upgrade from the Android Market to the new Google Play Store app “over the coming days”.
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