Google has taken another step in tightening Google+ integration with its Play Store on Android, by adding a new section which allows you to follow the activity of people you have added to your circles. "Activity" in this context means what someone you follow has +1'd, rated or reviewed.
Play profiles aren't new anymore, but they make more sense now |
"Looking for something? Tap on familiar faces to get the inside track on +1s and reviews"
On top of the page, you'll see the profile photos of the users you follow with the most recent activity on Google Play (with your own in the centre). Tapping on any of these will take you to their respected Play profile, which is to be expected.
On the 'People' page, there is a set of categories; 'From familiar faces' shows apps, movies, music, and games rated, reviewed or +1'd. This has existed previously on the Google Play storefront, but now it looks like the category has found a proper home.
'Follow people on Play' is new, and is pretty self-explanatory. By following someone on Google Play, means to also follow that person/page on Google+. The grid of people you see in this category are suggestions for you to follow, as worked out by Google's algorithms. Tapping on one of the suggestions will allow you to place that person into a circle.
Tap to add to a Google+ circle |
Doesn't it look pretty? |
Where Is Everyone?
Although Play activity has started appearing on the Google Play website, 'People' seems to only be rolling out to Android clients right now, but it wouldn't be surprising to see the feature on the web sooner rather than later. 'People' is a server-side update, so those of you looking to install an updated Play Store APK are out of luck. The rollout seems to be happening fairly quickly though, meaning Google Play on your phone will soon start to get a little more social.
Will you be checking out 'People' on Google Play? Let us know what you think of it!