On Android, Google PlayStore removes Movies and TV tabs. Instead, Google TV is its replacement. It now includes a “Highlights” news stream and access to your library.
Purchases made in the past, family sharing, payments (including Play credit and gift cards), refunds, Play Points, and your wishlist have all changed due to this update. The recently revamped web interface has likewise remained unchanged.
On the other hand, the Google Play Store has moved its focus to apps, games, ebooks, and audiobooks. Users can now only see three tabs in the bottom bar: Games, Apps, and Books. However, they may see Offers or Play Pass as a fourth option. It does make things a little easier to navigate.
If all goes are per plan, Google will remove Movies and TV tabs from PlayStore in June.
Why Google Removed Movies and TV Tabs from Playstore?
The company is clearly convinced that Google TV is the superior media platform, and this drive began in 2020 with the release of an improved Chromecast.
The lack of a centralized location for all digital content on Android is a bit bothersome. However, this trend began with the demise of Play Music several years ago.
The Google TV app’s interface is identical to the Play Store’s, and having easy access to “Your Stuff” is useful. Many people have begun to use the YouTube app, which is already installed on their home screen, to search for and purchase movies and series.
YouTube recently enhanced its media interface, including a picture-in-picture feature for IOS. It could be an unintentional result of all of this.
What’s next?
At this rate, we can see them doing the same thing with Play Books and Audiobooks, putting them in the Google Play Books app, which already has a storefront. Afterward, Games may migrate to the Google Play Games app and receive its game storefront with Stadia content.
The corporation has been trying to remove the ‘Play’ logo completely. They can close the Play Store by accomplishing all this and relocating apps to the official Google Store or the Web Store.
This rebranding may take years, which is fine if it is done correctly. Google recently updated the Play Store’s web layout. Currently, it’s not in any hurry to destroy it – reorganize things to increase sales and clickthrough.
Conclusion
It is a very rare incident when Google cannibalizes its Product. However, with this update, Google seems to be doing so. It can surely be justified as Google’s attempt to make navigation easier.
As a result, only time will determine whether “Google removes Movies and TV tabs” from Playstore will improve Google’s experience or be a rare failure.
