Google Play Store adds “Vibe” coding apps, AI app comparisons, and personalized game discovery features

Google on Tuesday announced expanded functionality for its Google Play app store. The Mountain View-based tech giant said users can now create and run their own Android apps using artificial intelligence tools and natural language prompts without a developer account. Additionally, the Play Store has new ways to discover apps and games, including AI-driven recommendations and personalized game discovery tools. Users can also browse and access Play Store content through Gemini.

Supports AI discovery in Vibe-Coded apps and Play Store
Google said in a blog post that users can now create virtual code (vibe code) applications and run them privately on their phones. This means they can use Google AI Studio to create custom Android apps and install them on their devices through the Google Play Store. Google emphasizes that these virtual code apps will be completely separate from the apps publicly listed in the App Store.

However, Google will soon allow users to share their apps with friends and family. If users want to publish their work publicly, they need to upgrade to a Professional Developer account, and their apps will then undergo the same trust and safety review and quality checks as other Play Store submissions.

Users only need to have a standard account to use this feature and do not need to register a developer account. The feature is rolling out to users 18 and older in select markets, including the United States.

In addition to this, the tech giant has launched new AI-powered discovery tools, the first of which is Ask Play. Google says the feature can now compare apps and highlight key differences along with user reviews. Play in Gemini will bring apps, games and developer content from Google Play into the Gemini conversation.

Google is also continuing to expand the Play Store experience on various devices. Vehicles with built-in Google apps can experience a customizable Play Store interface through the in-car display. At the same time, it is said that the Play Store on XR devices can now provide a 3D browsing experience.

Google has introduced a new “game finder” feature for gamers. According to the company, this tool leverages game information and player preferences to provide recommendations tailored to individual tastes, rather than relying solely on a game’s overall popularity. A standout component of this feature is “Player DNA,” which analyzes a user’s specific gaming style and preferences. Google notes that players can further refine their recommendations by specifying particular games, genres, and gameplay mechanics.

An English version of Game Finder has been launched in the United States. Another new feature is Game Playlists. As the name suggests, this feature allows players to create their own collection of games.

There are also some minor updates. The tech giant announced Sprints, a 48-hour challenge for teams of two to five players. At the same time, Sidekick, the in-game overlay app available for some devices, has also added the ability to record 30-second replays. The Play Store is also expanding its library of PC games, adding titles like Dave the Diver and Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun. Upcoming games include REPLACED, Chosen by Odin and Over the Hill.

For family users, Google is adding an option via Family Link that allows parents to share their child’s age range—or their own age range—directly with applications.