Tech giant Google launched Android Pay in the United States. (Photo : Reuters)
Google has recently been making changes to the data contained in mobile apps' search results. The newest upgrade for apps outside the company's Play Store now appears to Android users like an app store's colorful tiled grid.
In the past the apps were listed individually on their own line. A link allowed users to see more apps of that type.
However, now the search results' appearance is in a colorful grid. It resembles how Google's app store looks.
The upgrade is a change on the server side. Thus, no update of a Google application is required on smartphones, tablets, or other mobile devices, according to Droid-Life.
Google has not made a formal announcement about the change to search results on Android smartphones. However, it was reported by various sites including Search Engine Land and Android Police.
The app listings are much more eye-catching now. For example, the search engine's algorithm seems to match up bright background colors with app tiles.
However, it also has a negative effect on the information returned. The previous app results included space for a brief description of individual apps.
Meanwhile, the new tiled grid only shows the title, rating, and price, according to Tech Crunch. When users want to learn more about the app they must click on its link, which then directs them to the Google Play Store.
The tiled grid also makes it easier to see icon styles' uneven designs throughout the Play Store. They can differ in size and shape, such as edges being square or round. This differs from the uniform icons in Apple's iTunes.
Android users can see the new app search results by following virtually any Google search term with "apps." The tech giant is gradually rolling out the new appearance.
Google Search results for iOS phones still show the single-line listing of app results. Colorful grids are absent.
