And a little something for Play Games for PC
The September package of Google system updates went public a few weeks ago, although we had in fact reported on many of its features before. However, as it turns out, we have a few stragglers who crossed the finish line late, so we wanted to make sure you knew what was officially coming with which component update.
Google has extended access to the beta version of Play Games for PC in several regions, which allows users to load Android games onto their Windows computers. With a late Play Store update to v32.4, the company seems to be catching up as it will now list specific availability for titles depending on the market the user is in.
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In July, Google introduced support for smart audio switching that allows Android to determine where to route audio when dealing with multiple multipoint Bluetooth devices. That support was initially limited to the Pixel Buds Pro, but it was planned to spread to third-party hardware like JBL and Sony at some point. Consider this point as that point – it is with Google Play Services version 31.22. No, we don’t know why such an old update to a feature that should have been rolled out months ago is now being added to the September updates, but at least it has been duly noted.
The full changelog for these updates is available below. You can view all Google System Update change logs from Google. Note the footnotes that dictate the features associated with a Google Play system update, Google Play Store app v32.4, or a specific version of Google Play services.
September 2022Account Management [Phone] Allows users to hide recommended apps during the Google Kids Space intro stream.[2] [Auto, Phone, TV, Wear] Improvements in account sync and account recovery.[2] [Phone] Ability to install Google Kids Space on the secondary user of a tablet during device setup.[2] [Phone] Bug fixes for system management and diagnostics and utility related services.[1] [Phone] With the migration of parental consent and consent to Google Material 3, users will experience a more consistent UI experience in line with Google’s design standards.[4] Device Connectivity [Phone] Switches Bluetooth audio peripherals between supported phones and watches for calls.[5] Google Play Store New features to help you discover your favorite apps and games.[3] Optimizations that allow faster and more reliable download and installation.[3] Continuous improvements to Play Protect to keep your device safe.[3] Various performance optimizations, bug fixes, and security, stability, and accessibility improvements.[3] [Wear OS] With updates to the Play Store on Wear OS homepage, users can experience a new content forward view that makes it easier to find recommended apps.[3] [Wear OS] When users install an app on their Wear OS device that requires a companion app, their mobile device automatically installs the companion app.[3] [Wear OS] New secondary menu that allows users to browse recommended apps for their Wear OS, Android TV or Android Auto devices from their Android phones.[3] [Phone] Learn more about Play’s Top Picks by expanding the results to see more details about the app or game right in the Play’s Top Picks module.[3] [Phone] Help users make better installation decisions with updates to app detail pages.[3] [Phone] Check the status of app installs on other devices you own.[3] [Phone] Optimize menu navigation for large screens in landscape mode.[3] [Phone] Provide information about Google Play Protect device security on the system settings page for security and privacy on specific Android 13 devices.[3] [Phone] Help users learn about title availability for Google Play Games on PC.[3] Support [Phone] Android 13 consumer education experience.[2] Utilities [Auto, Phone] Autofill now notifies users if their credentials are found in a public data breach.[2] Wallet [Phone] You can now get visual feedback when you lock, unlock or start your car with a digital car key.[2] [Wear OS] This feature allows you to add new payment methods to Google Pay in Japan.[2] [Phone] Enable showing public transport agencies in the list of public transport tickets for sale.[2] Developer services New developer features for Google and third-party app developers to support account management, machine learning and AI, security, and privacy-related developer services in their apps.[2][4] System Administration Updates to system management services that improve device performance, device connectivity, network usage, security, stability, and updateability.[1][4]
[1] Available via Google Play System Update for September
[2] Available through Google Play Services v36.22 updated 09/29/2022
[3] Available from Google Play Store v32.4 updated on 30/09/2022
[4] Available through Google Play Services v39.22 updated 09/29/2022
[5] Available through Google Play Services v31.22 updated 09/29/2022