I/O 2026 is bringing more AI to Google Play
Source: Engadget
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New AI Features in Google Play
This year’s Google I/O introduced a pile of updates for the Google Play storefront. While most of the new features are developer‑focused, there are a couple of standout changes for regular Android users.
Google Play is rolling out a new AI‑powered feature called Ask Play. It appears as an overlay that lets users ask natural‑language questions to discover new apps. Ask Play expands on the previous Q&A tool, which also leveraged AI for discovery queries. When a conversation becomes more complex, Ask Play can display a top‑level summary of the search at the top of the results page.
Play Games Sidekick Updates
Google is also improving the gaming experience with new features for Play Games Sidekick, which the company debuted last year. The in‑game overlay will now include social information, such as which friends are also playing the active app and what achievements they’ve unlocked. After an initial rollout covering about 100 supported titles, Sidekick will be available for all participating games beginning this summer.